The historical development of Mahasarakham University, or MSU, may be traced back to March 27, 1968, when it was originally established as the College of Education, Mahasarakham, for the purpose of extending higher education to the nation’s Northeastern region. Situated in an outer area north of Maha Sarakham, a small town right at the center of the region, the college functioned to produce quality teachers to serve educational institutions of all levels. The college’s status was later elevated when it became a regional campus of Srinakharinwirot University in 1974. At that time there were four faculties: Education, Humanities, Social Sciences and Science. The university finally gained independent status and became Mahasarakham University, Thailand’s 22nd government university, on December 9, 1994, when the University Act was graciously authorized by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and published in the Royal Gazette.

Mahasarakham University has since expanded rapidly in terms of both facilities and academic services and has become a comprehensive university, offering undergraduate and post-graduate degree programs in three academic clusters: Social Sciences; Pure and Applied Science; and Health Science. In response to this growth, in 1998, Khamriang Campus was set up in Kantarawichai District, approximately 7 kilometers from the original campus.

With 16 faculties, 2 colleges and 1 school currently operating, MSU has been widely recognized as one of Thailand’s fastest-growing universities. The total enrollment has also increased from fewer than 10,000 in its earlier years to more than 41,000 students at present. Many faculty buildings have been constructed on Khamriang Campus, now the administrative and academic center.

To further extend its academic services to remote communities, the University now has 15 academic service centers in Northeastern provinces.

The official emblem of Mahasarakham University is known as the Rojanakorn.

It is composed of several components, together meaning a stamp of brilliant prosperity. The symbol comprises a Sema, the ancient border stone found around Buddhist temples, in the center of which is an outline of Phrathat Nadoon, the province’s sacred Buddhist stupa. Underneath it is a traditional Isan Khid design, representing Isan cultural heritage and the local people’s wisdom. Above the design are solar rays, denoting the spread of prosperity. Under the design appears the university’s motto in Pali language, Public devotion is a virtue of the learned.