Our History

1889

Missouri Valley College opens on September 17.

“Old Main” was built for $40,000. Baity Hall still stands as the focal point of campus.

1890

Rev. Dr. William H. Black becomes the College’s first president. Dr. Black was a pastor from St. Louis.

1897

William Ira Ferguson graduates from MVC. “Pop” dubbed 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 & Murrell Memorial Library are constructed.

1929

Young Hall is built.

1942

During WWII, MVC serves as a location to train military officers. United States Navy Units V-5 and V-12 were stationed on campus in temporary buildings built by the Navy. After the war, seven of these were converted to apartments for married students. Called Valley Forge, the community housed many servicemen and their wives who returned to continue their studies.

1948

The American Humanics program is inaugurated on campus. Now called the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, the program has spread to more than 40 colleges and universities nation-wide after getting its start right here at MVC.

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 a fire.

1977

Stewart Chapel and a theatre are rebuilt on campus.

1992

Burns Athletic Complex is built.

2002

The Technology Center is built and includes the Morris Gallery of Contemporary Art and the Eckilson-Mabee Theatre.

2005

MVC hires current president and first female president, Dr. Bonnie Humphrey.

2006

MVC graduates largest class, 266.

2010

MVC records largest enrollment with 1,476 students.

2011

MVC offers first graduate degree program, a master of arts in community counseling.

Viking Village opens.

2012

MVC offers its first two online degree programs; bachelor’s degrees in business administration and psychology.

2013

Valley Lab School opens.

2014

The Malcolm Center for Student Life opens.

2016

MVC dining hall undergoes a complete renovation.

2019

Walker C. Fletcher Athletic Complex opens.

2023

MVC hires Dr. Joseph A. Parisi as its 14th president.

Technology Center renamed Welcome Center.