Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of the Kansas State Normal School.  FHSU’s history of serving remote learners began in 1911, with correspondence courses offered to teachers in one-room school houses across Western Kansas.  These early efforts focused on maintaining teacher skills and certifications for those in remote areas. This system allowed the university to serve students, particularly rural teachers, who were unable to attend classes on campus.  

Using the U.S. Postal System as the primary means of communication, instructional materials, lessons, and assignments were sent back and forth between the university and the student.  Even then, this method became popular with adults balancing work and family responsibilities, as it allowed them to further their education without attending traditional on-campus classes. This pioneering effort in distance education helped Fort Hays build its reputation for online learning, a legacy that continues today. 

Fort Hays State University used it’s long history of serving remote students to lay the foundation for its modern online learning programs. By the mid-1990s, FHSU recognized the need to adapt its distance education model due to a declining rural population and evolving technology.  In 1997, FHSU transformed its Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology into the FHSU Virtual College. This move established FHSU as a leader in offering robust, fully web-based degree programs, demonstrating FHSU's commitment to fully online learning. After years of consistent growth, the Virtual College became a substantial part of the university.  In 2020, the FHSU Virtual College was renamed FHSU Online, reflecting its increased scope, student experience, and national presence.  

Learning from instructional challenges during the March 2020 Global Pandemic, the Fort Hays State University Digital Master Plan was born.  This plan provides a clear and cohesive framework to guide FHSU into the future and sets a vision for online and hybrid education.  The Digital Master Plan focuses on innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement and aims to create a cohesive and supportive digital ecosystem that enhances student experiences and broadens access to education.  This strategic initiative ensures that all students receive a high-quality and equitable educational experience, regardless of their location as it broadens access to education.

Today, FHSU Online supports thousands of students, making up a significant portion of the university's total enrollment.  The program is a collaboration between the FHSU Online staff and the university's Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) division, which develops the curriculum and infrastructure for effective digital education. FHSU Online continues to expand its course offerings and student support resources, solidifying its position as a leader in online higher education.