Introduction
The University of Missouri is one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the United States. Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri has a long and storied history of providing excellent education and research opportunities to its students. With its main campus in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri has a student body of over 30,000 and boasts a total of 19 schools and colleges. From its rich history and traditions to its impressive research and development, the University of Missouri has a lot to offer its students and alumni. Here are some fun facts about the University of Missouri that you may not know.
The Oldest Building on Campus
The University of Missouri boasts a number of impressive buildings, but the oldest of them all is the Academic Hall. This building was constructed in 1853 and is the oldest building on the University of Missouri campus. It is also the oldest building on any public university campus in the state of Missouri. The Academic Hall was originally used as a classroom building, but today it is home to the University of Missouri’s Office of Admissions and Records.
The First Public University West of the Mississippi
The University of Missouri was the first public university to be founded west of the Mississippi River. This was made possible by an act of the Missouri General Assembly in 1839. The university was established with the intention of providing quality education to the citizens of the state of Missouri. It has since grown to become one of the most prestigious universities in the United States.
The First Co-ed College in the United States
The University of Missouri was the first co-educational college in the United States. In 1867, the university opened its doors to both male and female students. This was a revolutionary move at the time, as most universities were still segregated by gender. The University of Missouri was a pioneer in the fight for gender equality in higher education.
The Birthplace of Homecoming
The University of Missouri is credited with the invention of the Homecoming tradition. The first homecoming game was held in 1911, when the University of Missouri Tigers played against the University of Kansas Jayhawks. The University of Missouri has been hosting homecoming games ever since, and the tradition has spread to other universities across the United States.
The First School of Journalism
The University of Missouri is home to the world’s first school of journalism. The Missouri School of Journalism was established in 1908 and is now one of the most respected journalism schools in the world. The school has produced many of the world’s most influential journalists and has trained thousands of students in the art of reporting and writing.
The Birthplace of the College Cheer
The University of Missouri is credited with inventing the college cheer. The first college cheer was performed at a Missouri football game in 1884. The cheer was a simple but effective way to rally the crowd and get them excited for the game. The cheer was so popular that it spread to other universities and eventually became a staple of college football games.
The First Public University to Offer a Veterinary School
The University of Missouri was the first public university in the United States to offer a veterinary school. The school was established in 1891 and has since grown to become one of the most respected veterinary schools in the world. The school offers a variety of programs and degrees in veterinary medicine and is a leader in the field.
The First University to Establish a Division of Student Affairs
The University of Missouri was the first university in the United States to establish a Division of Student Affairs. The division was established in 1913 and is responsible for providing support and guidance to students throughout their college experience. The division offers a variety of services and programs, including academic advising, career counseling, and health and wellness services.
Conclusion
The University of Missouri is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. From its rich history and traditions to its impressive research and development, the University of Missouri has a lot to offer its students and alumni. From the oldest building on campus to the first public university west of the Mississippi, the University of Missouri has a lot of interesting facts and stories. Whether you’re a current student or an alumnus, these fun facts about the University of Missouri are sure to be interesting.”