University of Missouri-Columbia

University of Missouri-Columbia is a public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. Founded in 1839, it is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System and the first public university west of the Mississippi River. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple schools and colleges, including journalism, law, medicine, engineering, and agriculture. It is known for establishing one of the first journalism schools in the world and for its role as a major research institution in the state. Students are drawn to University of Missouri-Columbia for its comprehensive academic offerings, large campus environment, and integration with the cultural and economic life of central Missouri.

University of Missouri-Columbia was founded in 1839 in Columbia, Missouri, making it the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Established after Boone County won a bid to host the state university, it was designed in part on Thomas Jefferson’s model for public higher education. John Hiram Lathrop became the first president in 1841, helping organize the early curriculum and academic structure. During the 19th century, the university expanded its academic departments and admitted women, while navigating disruptions caused by the Civil War. In 1892, a fire destroyed Academic Hall, leading to the construction of Jesse Hall and the iconic Columns on Francis Quadrangle. The 20th century brought growth in enrollment, research activity, and professional schools. In 1963, the University of Missouri System was formally organized, with the Columbia campus designated as its flagship. Today, University of Missouri-Columbia remains a central public research institution in Missouri.