Staff and students were celebrating this morning following the news that Harper Adams has been awarded full university title.
Crowds gathered outside the historic main building in hope of snapping up one of 100 limited edition t-shirts made available to mark the occasion.
Following yesterday's announcement by the Privy Council to award the UK's top University College a full university title, the mood was jubilant on campus as staff and students marked the first full day as a university.
Dr David Llewellyn, Founding Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have received confirmation about gaining the university title from the Privy Council.
"It is an historic moment for the university and also for Shropshire -- the first university in Shropshire.
"It is also really important for our students as they are now on a level playing field with other universities.
"We have been working on this for the last 15 years or so. It is enormously important not just for the university but also for the county."
Matthew Stubbings, from Malton, North Yorkshire, was one of the first students to get his hands on one of the limited edition t-shirts.
The 21-year-old, who is studying a BSc (Hons) degree in Agri-Food Marketing with Business Studies, said: "I think it is great personally, and a big step forward. It's great to get the recognition for all the staff and students.
"I believe there will be lots of positives from gaining the university title. Everyone is excited and proud.
"It's a big thing to have a university in an area like this. It is a very close knit community at Harper and I don't think that will change at all. We will still have the Harper spirit."
21-year-old Anna Grew, who is studying a BSc (Hons) degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management, said it was an historic day for Harper Adams.
Anna, from Sutton Coldfield, added: "I think it is brilliant. I am really proud of the university -- everyone seems really proud.
"I think it can only boost the area. Having a university will bring in more students and bring more money into the area.
"It will promote the area and help put Shropshire and the university on the map even more."
