Western Mindanao State University is the premier and only state university in Zamboanga City and in Region IX. It is also said to be one if not the oldest university in Mindanao.It has two campuses: the main campus of 79,000 square metres and 9,147 square metres is located within the city (Barangay Baliwasan), and the satellite campus of 200,000 square metres occupied by the College of Agriculture and the College of Forestry located at San Ramon, 20 kilometers away from the city. Campuses comprising the external studies units are located in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay, including the newly-integrated formerly CHED-supervised institutions in Dumingag and Tampilisan. It has a student population of over 22,000, regular faculty members of over 600 and over 150 administrative personnel.

It has 12 colleges, three institutes and two autonomous campuses offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses specializing on education, engineering, nursing, arts and humanities, social work, science and mathematics. Along with these major fields of concentration, WMSU offers courses in agriculture, architecture, forestry, home economics, nutrition and dietetics, social work, criminology, Asian and Islamic Studies and special degree courses for foreign students. It also offers external studies and non-formal education courses.

WMSU ranked sixth among 68 universities all over the country, according to a survey on the Top Academic Institutions in the Philippines conducted by the Commission on Higher Education. The University's College of Education is a Center of Excellence; the College of Architecture as a Center of Development and the College of Social Work and Community Development was awarded the Best School for Social Work in the Philippines.

Campuses

• WMSU-Main Campus(Baliwasan)
• WMSU-San Ramon, Zamboanga City
• WMSU-Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay
• WMSU-Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
• WMSU-Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay
• WMSU-Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay
• WMSU-Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay
• WMSU-Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay
• WMSU-Pagadian City
• WMSU-Molave, Zamboanga del Sur
• WMSU-Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur
• WMSU- AURORA, Zamboanga del Sur

==Academic Units==

• College of Architecture
• College of Agriculture
• College of Criminal Justice Education
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Technology
• College of Forestry and Environmental Studies
• College of Law
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Home Economics
• College of Nursing
• College of Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports
• College of Public Administration and Development Studies
• College of Science and Mathematics
• College of Social Works and Community Development
• College of Asian and Islamic Studies
• Integrated Laboratory School- Secondary Department
• Integrated Laboratory School-Elementary Department
• Department of Extension Service

Degree Units

Undergraduate Courses

• Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
• Bachelor of Science in Architecture
• Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT)
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering
• Bachelor in Agricultural Technology
• Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED)
• Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED)
• BS in Ecological & Environmental Engineering
• BS in Geodetic Engineering
• BS in Industrial and Management Engineering
• BS in Sanitary Health Engineering
• Bachelor of in Civil Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Four-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Five-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Forestry
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in English
• Bachelor of Arts in Filipino
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
• Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication - Journalism
• Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication - Broadcasting
• Bachelor of Science in Economics
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Certificate of Proficiency in Food Processing
• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) - Ladderized
• Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT)
• Bachelor of Science in Home Economics (BSHE)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Special Program for Registered Nurses - BSN
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
• Bachelor of Science in Biology
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
• Bachelor of Science in Physics
• Bachelor of Science in Statistics
• Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
• Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD)
• Bachelor of Science in Islamic Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Asian Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Criminology
• Certificate in Sports
• Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) Ladderized
• Bachelor of Laws

Auxiliary Units

• The University Digest (Official Student Publication of WMSU)
• University Testing and Evaluation Center
• University Center for Local Governance
• Regional Science Teaching Center
• University Research Center
• University Guidance and Counselling Center
• Center for Instructional Development
• University Training and Review Center
• Knowledge for Development Center
• Women’s Research & Resource Center
• University Press
• Center for Peace and Development (Women and Children's Desk)
• External Support Services (WESMARRDEC, ZCPAC, etc.)
• Networks and Linkages / Hands of Goodwill (HANDOG) Volunteer Program
• Center for Extension Services and Community Development (COPBA, AEOP, BIDANI)
• Research and Evaluation Center (Research & Project Development, Statistics & Databank)
• Center for Development Information & Communications (Materials Production & Publication, Advocacy and Promotions)

History

With the cessation of the hostilities that marked the end of the Spanish American war in 1898, Filipino and American educators agreed that the best way to rebuild a devastated nation was through the establishment of a sound educational system.

Eight Normal schools were then established in the Philippines by the Americans. One of them was the Zamboanga Normal School established in 1904. As a secondary school, the ZNS offered a general academic curriculum under the Department of Mindanao and Sulu primarily designed to cater to the needs of cultural minorities in the provinces of Cotabato, Davao, Lanao, Sulu, and Zamboanga.

In June 1921, the secondary normal curriculum of the Zamboanga Normal School had to be phased out for lack of enrollees. It was re-opened the following year and eventually producing its first batch of graduates in 1926. Until the end of School Year 1939-40, the general secondary academic and normal curricula continued to be simultaneously offered. As a result of the opening of the Zamboanga City High School in 1940, the general secondary academic curriculum was discontinued but was offered at the college level. It was briefly disrupted with the outbreak of the Second World War.

After the war, the school resumed operations enabling those who started first year in the two-year collegiate normal curriculum before the war to continue as sophomore students. In April 1946 they were awarded the Elementary Teacher's Certificate (E.T.C.) The secondary normal curriculum was offered only during the summer term until 1952.

Upon its conversion to the Zamboanga Normal College on June 17, 1961 by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 3272, the ZNC was placed under the direct supervision of the Bureau of Public Schools (BPS) until its autonomy in 1963. Gradually, it started to offer new programs new degree programs.

The amendment of RA 3272 on June 26, 1969 by RA 5492 resulted in the conversion of the Zamboanga Normal School into the Zamboanga State College (ZSC). Considering the demands of a growing population in a rapidly changing society , President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed P.D. No. 1427 on June 10, 1978, marking the birth of the Western Mindanao State University.

Since its conversion into a state university, three university presidents have taken its leadership: Dr. Juanito A. Bruno, in an acting capacity from 1977 to 1986; Dr. Bernabela L. Ko as first full-pledged president from 1986 to 1991 and Dr. Erdulfo B. Fernando, who served from 1991 to 1997. Dr. Eldigario D. Gonzales, DPA, CSEE had served as its University President from 1997 to 2007. Today, WMSU has a total of 1,000 teaching and administrative support staff catering to over 20,000 students.

WMSU now has 12 colleges and three institutes. It has become the Center of Excellence (COE) and for Teacher Education and Project for Basic Education (PROBE) Center.

WMSU's University and Board Secretary is Engr. Armando A. Arquiza, who was a recipient of the first ever Loyalty Award given by the WMSU Alumni Association. Engr. Arquiza finished his Pre-Elementary, Elementary, High School and Bachelors Degree in this institution in 1964, 1972, 1976 and 1981 respectively, and now serving as a fulltime employee since June of 1982.

Notable faculty and alumni

Grace Jimeno Rebollos - Peace advocate, and President of the Western Mindanao Sate University. She was the first summa cum laude of WMSU.

Evangeline Macaraeg-Macapagal - the former First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines and Mother of the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She is an alumna of the College of Education of the University.

Esnaen M. Catong - Teng, as his friends call him, was the most influential student leader in the history of WMSU politics. He was the first Student Regent of WMSU---overwhelmingly elected President of the University Student Council (1997-1998) while studying at the Law School. He was a recipient of the Most Outstanding Student Leader Award given by the University during the Presidency of Dr. Eldigario D. Gonzales in 1998. He graduated his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Laws from WMSU in 1995 and 1999, respectively.

Prof. Catong pursued and earned a Masters Degree in History, Cognate in Political Science at the University of the Philippines in Diliman under the university's Faculty Development Program. He was the first faculty member of WMSU to earn such a graduate degree from the time of its inception in 1904. Prof. Teng Catong also completed all the academic requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in History, Cognate in Political at UP-Diliman, Quezon City. His rigorous research trainings in the fields of Social and Political Sciences, History and Culture at the country's premier university exposed him to various international engagements as research presenter and lecturer in leading universities in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, et.al. Prof. Catong has earned a distinction as the first scholar from the Philippines to have won a $5,000.00 (US) grant/fellowship in a research competition under the auspices of AMAN and the Rockefeller Foundation. The humble Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Political Science of WMSU also appeared on national and international TV as socio-political analyst on issues of national concern.

Recently, Prof. Catong was popularly elected as President of the WMSU Faculty Union who shall serve as Faculty Regent from July 31, 2008 to July 31, 2010 pursuant to the University Faculty Union Constitution and By-Laws and Commission on Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 (R.A. 8292). Prof. Esnaen "Teng" M. Catong served as WMSU's 1st Student Regent and at this juncture is serving as the WMSU's Faculty Regent.

Pengiran Amir Muhammad Yusoff Ibn Pengiran Haji Abbas - a Brunei educator and owner of a private school in Bandar Seri Begawan. In early 1990s, he was awarded by the University Board a Doctor of Education honoris causa. He endowed an undergraduate scholarship program named after him.

Milabel Ho - nurse-educator and leader. She is the Executive Vice President of the University, active in promoting quality and responsibility in nursing education. She received the 2007 Anastacia Giron Tupas Award, the highest award given by the Philippine Nurses Association.

Noor Mohammad Saada (Class 1989) - peace education and development advocate. Currently Deputy Australian Coordinator of the AusAID-funded Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM[246031]) Project. He is working with DepEd to provide a space and opportunity for Muslim Filipinos in the mainstream education system through the institution of the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Program in the government schools and the piloting of the DepEd-authorized, 'ulama-developed Standard Madrasah Curriculum for selected private Madaris across Regions XI, XII and the ARMM. Among others, he is also instrumental in developing the 23-day Language Enhancement and Pedagogy (LEaP)to enhance the English proficiency of the ALIVE teachers; Accelerated Teacher Education Program (ATEP)to equip the ALIVE teachers with strong "professional education" foundation and prepare them to qualify and take Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Both the LEaP and ATEP are now DepEd training prototype.

He is a member of the US-based National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD)with the aim of fostering a world of conversation, participation and action; the Philippine Population Association and the only Asian in the 10-member Training Panel of the Peace, Conflict and Development (PCD) Program of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

Mahmor N. Edding - Political Science Professor, and National President, Anak Mindanao Party-List.

Edgar Araojo - Political Science Professor, Regional Chairman of AKBAYAN Party-list.

External links

• Official website