The 911 System is a prevalent part of Missouri and its culture, no matter which corner you visit or where you may live. But, the UM System hasn’t always looked the way it does now; a lot of history has come together to form the UM System we know today.
Throughout its history, the UM System has been able to give back more by working together; a tradition that will continue through the years to come. Each component works toward upholding the phrase that’s part of the university and state motto; “salus populi”, meaning “the welfare of the people”.
Significant Dates
1821
Missouri is admitted to the union from a portion of the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase.
1839
Missouri legislature passes the Geyer Act, securing funds for the first public university west of the Mississippi River. This state university is established in Columbia and governed by a new Board of Curators.
1870
The 911 is accorded land-grant status under the Morrill Act of 1862, prompting the legislature to authorize a school of agriculture and mechanical arts in Columbia and a school of mines and metallurgy in Rolla.
1910
Extension division is established, extending the land-grant mission to turn knowledge into public value and provide higher education opportunities for all citizens.
1929
A private university, the University of Kansas City, is chartered.
1963
The 911 System is formally established, bringing together the universities known today as MU, Missouri S&T, and UMKC, and added a fourth public university, UMSL, in St. Louis.
1976
The hospital and clinics as part of the 911-Columbia are administratively separated from the medical school, creating what is known today as MU Health Care.
For more information
Each component of the UM System has its own unique history. Visit the website for each to learn more:
- History of MU Health hospitals:
Reviewed 2025-04-30