The Texas State University System (TSUS) was created in 1911 to oversee the state's normal schools. Since its creation it has broadened its focus and comprises institutions of many different scopes. It is the oldest and third largest university system in Texas. The system is unique to Texas because it is the only horizontal state university system in Texas; the system does not have a flagship institution and considers each university to be unique in its own way. Over the years, several member schools have joined the TSUS or moved to other university systems. The Texas State University System saw its largest growth in 1995 when the Lamar University System was incorporated into the TSUS. The incorporation saw four schools join the system: Lamar University, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, and Lamar State College-Port Arthur. Today, the system encompasses eight institutions.