The University of Missouri has come a long way in the past 175 years. Celebrating its founding in 1839, this year’s Founders’ Day on February 11th marked the beginning of a yearlong celebration of this significant milestone in Mizzou’s history. 

MU was founded in 1839 thanks in large part to the efforts of then-Missouri lawmaker James S. Rollins, who saw the need for higher education in central Missouri. Today, MU is one of six American public universities with units in law, medicine and veterinary medicine on one campus, and it has the most powerful research reactor of any university in the United States. As a research institution, MU spends about $240 million annually to do basic science research and develop products that change lives — from healthful foods to a cancer treatment with no discernible side effects. MU’s ability to foster collaboration has so impressed members of the most prestigious science academies that eight have chosen the university as their destination to teach and perform research. Granted membership into the prestigious AAU in 1908, the University of Missouri is one of only 34 public universities in the U.S. with AAU status.

Yes, the University of Missouri has come a long way from its rugged beginnings in frontier Boone County. What began as a few structures on a dirt grid is today an enchanting 1,262-acre botanic garden. With the University’s recent transition into the SEC, Mizzou has continued to strengthen and develop its programs and initiatives while attracting high-performing students and celebrated faculty. Students, faculty, administrators and staff will continue to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Mizzou’s founding throughout the year, and many look forward to what the next 175 years will hold.

For more information, view the recent Mizzou Magazine article about this milestone celebration.