History and Traditions
Many historical accounts of great institutions wax poetic on brave founding fathers, loyal faculty and alumni, and students whose spirit raised that of all around them. At the University of Missouri, the history meets the “Show-Me State” muster with a rich, 160-year chronicle of a modern university.
A History of the University of Missouri-Columbia
History of MU Schools and Colleges
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
- College of Arts and Science
- Trulaske College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- School of Health Professions
- College of Human Environmental Sciences
- School of Information Science and Learning Technology
- Missouri School of Journalism
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Nursing
- College of Veterinary Medicine
Photographic Exhibits
History told in photos on topics including: MU Football: The Early Years; Women's Athletics at MU; and Come Home, Tigers, a Homecoming History from University Archives. View online photographic exhibits…
Leaders from MU's Past
Hosted by University Archives, these photos and facts remember the individuals who created, developed and lead MU through its 160 year history. View MU’s leaders…
Myths, Legends and Traditions
The nickname "Tigers" given to Mizzou's athletic teams, traces its origin to the Civil War period. Small towns, defending themselves against attacks by plundering guerilla bands, formed "home guards" to provide protection. Columbia's home guard was called "The Missouri Tigers." Soon after Missouri's first football team was organized in 1890, the athletic committee adopted the nickname "Tiger" in official recognition of those Civil War defenders.