Our History
Rooted in 1889. Still rolling forward.
From a single building on a hill in Marshall to a growing university, explore the people, places, and moments that shaped Missouri Valley.
Did you know?
Valley Will Roll.
William Ira “Pop” Ferguson, Class of 1897, named our teams the Vikings and coined the rallying cry Vikings still use today: “Valley Will Roll.”
Timeline
More than 135 years of Valley.
Scroll through our story, or choose an era to jump ahead.
1889
Missouri Valley College opens
The college opens its doors on September 17. “Old Main” is built for $40,000. Known today as Baity Hall, it still stands as the focal point of campus.
1890
Our first president
Rev. Dr. William H. Black, a pastor from St. Louis, becomes the college’s first president.
1897
Valley Will Roll
William Ira “Pop” Ferguson graduates. He named the sports teams the “Vikings” and coined the phrase “Valley Will Roll.”
1906
Stewart Chapel is built
1922
Morrison Gymnasium is built
1928
Gregg-Mitchell Field and Murrell Memorial Library
Both are constructed.
1929
Young Hall is built
1942
Serving the nation in WWII
Valley trains military officers during World War II, with U.S. Navy V-5 and V-12 units stationed on campus. After the war, seven Navy buildings become “Valley Forge,” apartments for married students and returning servicemen and their wives.
1948
A national program begins here
The American Humanics program is inaugurated on campus. Now called the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, it has grown to more than 40 colleges and universities nationwide.
1951
MacDonald Hall is built
1963
Moreland Hall is built
1965
Collins Science Center is built
1970
The Ferguson Center opens
1973
Stewart Chapel is destroyed by fire
1977
Stewart Chapel rises again
Stewart Chapel and a theatre are rebuilt on campus.
1992
Burns Athletic Complex is built
2002
The Technology Center opens
The new building includes the Morris Gallery of Contemporary Art and the Eckilson-Mabee Theatre.
2005
Our first female president
Dr. Bonnie Humphrey becomes the college’s first female president.
2006
A record graduating class
Valley graduates its largest class: 266 students.
2011
Graduate studies begin
Valley offers its first graduate degree, a master of arts in community counseling. Viking Village also opens.
2012
Learning goes online
Valley offers its first two online degrees: bachelor’s degrees in business administration and psychology.
2013
Valley Lab School opens
2014
The Malcolm Center for Student Life opens
2016
A new dining hall
The dining hall undergoes a complete renovation.
2019
Walker C. Fletcher Athletic Complex opens
2023
A new chapter of leadership
Dr. Joseph A. Parisi becomes Valley’s 14th president. The Technology Center is renamed the Welcome Center.
2024
Julie Ann Deems Julien School of Nursing and Health Sciences opens
The school celebrates its opening with a ribbon cutting on August 9.
2025
Graduate business education arrives
Missouri Valley College announces its MBA program on August 18, with enrollment open immediately.
2026
Becoming Missouri Valley University
Missouri Valley College announces its transition to Missouri Valley University, reflecting expanded academic opportunities and continued growth.
Write the next chapter with us.
Visit campus to walk the grounds where Valley’s story began, or apply today. It’s free.