Inaugural addresses of all state university presidents before 1860 were reviewed for major themes regarding the evolution of the state university idea. Five indicators of gradual change toward a distinctive state university concept are discussed: the reflection of self-conscious nationalism in new educational institutions to match the new republic; the emphasis on character building, morality, and discipline in student relationship; educational concern for, if not involvement in, the "big issues" of society; the secularization of the state university, with the emergence of strong, progressive devotion to science; and the changing relation between higher education and church and state. The concept of the state university was a process that evolved from the historical period between the colonial colleges and the passing of the Land Grant College Act of 1862. Although there were false starts and confusion between "private" and "public," or church and state support, it should be noted that almost two-thirds of the states had already established universities prior to 1860. Collectively, these inaugural addresses of the state university presidents present ideas that were destined to become characteristic of the state universities. (Contains 53 references.) (SW)