History and Tradition
Built with local limestone, the six Ionic-style columns on Francis Quadrangle originally supported Mizzou’s first campus building — Academic Hall. After a fire destroyed Academic Hall in 1892, the Columns were all that remained. Now, they are a testament to our shared history and a symbol of the University of Missouri, which is a flagship, land-grant institution providing more than 300 degree programs and one of only 71 universities across the U.S. and Canada to be a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The Columns signify a place where discovery, innovation and hard work combine to solve the world’s grand challenges.
As an internationally recognized university, the University of Missouri provides courses of instruction at the college, graduate and post-graduate level and provides this instruction in classroom, laboratory and distance learning formats. Beyond academics, the University is a vibrant place full of activities, opportunities and diverse offerings, such as: athletic and sporting events and tournaments; cultural, educational, and entertainment exhibitions and shows; stimulating conferences on topics concerning issues and developments in the social sciences, medicine, current events, leadership and education; and live musical and theatrical performances and festivals.
To learn more about the opportunities at the University of Missouri, check out these resources:
Undergraduate Majors — Choose from more than 300 undergraduate degree programs
Graduate Programs — Choose from more than 150 graduate programs
Online Programs — Our faculty and 185+ online degree programs are among the best in the country. As an R1 institution and member of the AAU, Mizzou is a leader in higher education.
Hands-on Learning – Gain valuable first-hand experience in your career, before you graduate
Entrepreneurship – Learn how to start and run a company.
Global Experiences – Study abroad and discover new horizons.
Abundant Student Life and Recreation Programs and Top Tier Athletics Programs and Events
For information on admissions start here.
Unique Columns branded merchandise can be found at retailers carrying licensed Mizzou products!
If interested in licensing the Columns trademark, please reach out to licensing@missouri.edu.
