The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou, is a public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. It was founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River and is the flagship institution of the University of Missouri System. Mizzou has a large and diverse student body, with over 30,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university offers over 300 degree programs across 18 colleges and schools, including the highly-ranked School of Journalism, College of Engineering, and Trulaske College of Business.
The campus of Mizzou is spread across more than 1,200 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic columns of Jesse Hall. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Bond Life Sciences Center, the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and the Missouri School of Journalism’s Reynolds Journalism Institute.
Mizzou is known for its strong athletics program, with 20 NCAA Division I sports teams known as the Missouri Tigers. The university has a rich athletic history, with notable alumni including football player Kellen Winslow Sr., basketball player Norm Stewart, and wrestler J’den Cox. The university also boasts the famous rivalry with the University of Kansas in the annual “Border War” game.
University of Missouri
There are many interesting facts about the University of Missouri. Let’s take a look at 41 of those interesting facts.
- The University of Missouri, commonly referred to as Mizzou, is the flagship institution of the University of Missouri System.
- Mizzou was founded in 1839, making it the first public university west of the Mississippi River.
- The university is located in Columbia, Missouri, which is approximately halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City.
- Mizzou has an enrollment of over 30,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the state.
- The university has 18 colleges and schools, including the School of Journalism, College of Engineering, and Trulaske College of Business.
- Mizzou is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is a prestigious organization that recognizes leading research universities in the United States and Canada.
- The campus of Mizzou is spread across more than 1,200 acres.
- The iconic columns of Jesse Hall are one of the most recognizable landmarks on campus.
- The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Bond Life Sciences Center, the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and the Missouri School of Journalism’s Reynolds Journalism Institute.
- The University of Missouri Press is one of the oldest university presses in the United States.
- Mizzou has a strong athletic program, with 20 NCAA Division I sports teams known as the Missouri Tigers.
- The university is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive athletic conferences in the United States.
- The university’s football team plays at Memorial Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 62,000.
- The basketball teams play at Mizzou Arena, which has a seating capacity of over 15,000.
- Mizzou has a famous rivalry with the University of Kansas in the annual “Border War” game.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
- Mizzou has a student-run television station, KOMU-TV, which is affiliated with NBC.
- The university’s student newspaper, The Maneater, has won numerous awards and is one of the oldest student newspapers in the United States.
- The Missouri School of Journalism is one of the oldest and most prestigious journalism schools in the United States.
- The university is home to the Missouri Method, which is a hands-on approach to journalism education that emphasizes practical experience.
- Mizzou has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to promote a welcoming and inclusive campus community.
- The university has a number of international partnerships and offers study abroad programs in over 50 countries.
- Mizzou has a strong tradition of service, and encourages students to engage in community service through programs like Mizzou Alternative Breaks and the Big Event.
- The university is home to the Tiger Pantry, which is a food bank that provides assistance to students in need.
- The Mizzou Botanic Garden is a 100-acre botanical garden located on campus.
- The Missouri Tigers football team has won 15 conference championships.
- The Missouri Tigers basketball team has made 27 NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Mizzou is one of only six public universities in the United States with law, medicine, veterinary medicine, and a research reactor on one campus.
- The university has a research reactor, which is one of only a few university-operated research reactors in the United States.
- The University of Missouri is a major contributor to the economy of the state of Missouri, with an annual economic impact of over $3 billion.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
- Mizzou is home to the Museum of Art and Archaeology, which has a collection of over 14,000 objects from ancient times to the present.
- The university is home to the Missouri Innovation Center, which provides resources and support to entrepreneurs and startups.
- Mizzou has a number of specialized research centers and institutes, including the National Swine Resource and Research Center, the National Center for Rural Health Professions, and the Missouri Institute of Mental Health.
- The university’s School of Medicine is one of only three medical schools in the United States that combines patient-centered learning with a problem-based curriculum.
- Mizzou is home to the Reynolds Journalism Institute, which is dedicated to exploring and advancing the practice of journalism.
- The university has a strong commitment to supporting veterans and military-affiliated students, and offers a number of resources and programs to assist them.
- The university’s campus features a number of sculptures and public art installations, including the iconic “Tiger Walk” statue.
- Mizzou has a number of academic and research partnerships with other institutions around the world, including China, Brazil, and Germany.
- The university has a strong commitment to promoting health and wellness, and offers a number of programs and resources to support student well-being.
- Mizzou has a number of active student organizations, including clubs focused on sports, politics, the arts, and more.
The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou, is a vibrant and diverse institution with a rich history of excellence in education, research, and service. From its beginnings as the first public university west of the Mississippi River, Mizzou has grown to become a major contributor to the economic, cultural, and intellectual life of the state and the nation. With a wide range of academic programs, cutting-edge research centers, and a commitment to student success and well-being, the university provides an exceptional learning environment for students from all walks of life. Whether you’re interested in the arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, journalism, or any other field, Mizzou has the resources and expertise to help you achieve your goals and make a difference in the world.
