Winona State University (WSU) is a public university located in Winona, Minnesota, United States, and is the oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Founded in 1858 as the First State Normal School of Minnesota, it was established to train elementary school teachers amid a shortage of qualified educators on the American frontier during the 1850s. Winona settler John Ford played a key role in lobbying the Minnesota Legislature to create the institution, making it the first normal school west of the Mississippi River. Over its more than 160-year history, WSU has grown from a teacher-training focus to a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as education, liberal arts, sciences, business, and health professions, adapting to evolving economic needs and job opportunities.

In 1921, the institution was renamed Winona State Teachers College and authorized to grant bachelor's degrees, with the first four-year teaching degrees awarded to four students in 1926. From the 1920s through World War II, significant curriculum expansions occurred, including new courses and the development of academic departments to support institutional growth. Today, WSU serves a diverse student body through its main campus in Winona, additional sites, and online programs, emphasizing academic excellence, community engagement, and research. It operates as a nonprofit within the public higher education sector, with athletics programs under the NCAA Division II and a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments.

Notable alumni include public figures such as former U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who earned her bachelor's degree there. The university continues to expand its services, responding to over 150 years of educational demands while maintaining its riverside campus setting along the Mississippi River, which enhances its appeal for students seeking a blend of academic rigor and natural beauty.