Sidebar: The Transformational History of the University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri began in 1871 as Normal School No. 2. Calling a school a “normal school” might seem odd to us today. It suggests that other schools were somehow abnormal, but thankfully, that isn’t the case. The term “école normale” originated in France in the 17th century, which translates into English as “normal school.” It is a school specifically designed to set the “norms” for teaching practices.

Normal School No. 2 in Warrensburg was one of eight district schools established by the Missouri General Assembly in the 1870s. However, only five of these schools were actually built. The school’s goal was to train qualified teachers who would educate the state’s citizens and support Missouri’s growth and prosperity. Students observed and practiced in model classrooms, learning standardized methods, behavioral norms, curriculum content, and classroom management. This included a two-year agricultural program that Lawrence Brown enrolled in. The institution’s name was changed to Central Missouri State Teachers College in 1919.

As its mission expanded beyond teacher education, in 1946, it became Central Missouri State College and began offering a full liberal-arts and sciences curriculum. After establishing a graduate school in 1965, it achieved university status as Central Missouri State University in 1972. Finally, in 2006, it adopted the name University of Central Missouri to emphasize its comprehensive academic programs and regional service mission. Today, it provides more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs, ranging from aviation and cybersecurity to nursing and business.