Connecting Columbia and MU: Past, present and future

by Jon Stemmle

he Congressional Act of 1820, admitting Missouri into the Union, granted the fledgling state two townships "for the use of a seminary of learning."

That act was put to use in 1839 by Boone County's own James S. Rollins, a young legislator, who argued that the "seminary of learning" should be in Boone County. When the county bid of $82,300 in cash plus land valued at $36,000 was accepted later that year, the town of Columbia and what would become the University of Missouri were forever bonded in a common destiny.

While Columbia and MU have existed harmoniously for 160-plus years since the bid was accepted, most "town and gown" relationships have not been so lucky.

"We're unique in having a very good working relationship with the city," said Rex Campbell, a Professor of Rural Sociology and member of the Columbia City Council. "The university is a major player in both economic and intellectual circles. Nationally, you don't see that kind of relationship."

A major key to the relationship between city and university has been the campus administration. MU has a long history of employees active in civic affairs — from city mayors Clyde Wilson and Mary McCollum, respectively a professor of archeology and student services coordinator, to Kee Groshong, MU's vice chancellor-Administrative Services who is serving as president of Columbia's Chamber of Commerce.

"Having both faculty and administration involved with the town helps create bridges," said Campbell.

Campbell added that the university impacts the Columbia school system "in large part because of demands and emphasis of university faculty whose students are in the city's school system." He cited Hickman High School's renowned preparatory classes as an example.

MU's relationship with Columbia is much like that of Princeton University. The town of Princeton, N.J., will not allow large corporations into the center of town because it would belie the history and tradition of the university.

Although the town of Princeton had a larger population than Columbia when MU was created, the character ofboth cities would be lost without their universities.

While not as old as Princeton, "MU is still trying to find its identity," said Bob Unrath, manager of Design Services in Campus Facilities. "In parts, like the area around Memorial Union, it has an eastern Ivy League feel. But we have a lot of individual campus buildings without a particular feel or flavor. Then again, Princeton has been around for almost 300 years."

The next bridge

Over the last 20 years MU has expanded beyond its campus borders into town, the purchase of the MFA Inc. building being the latest example.

MU's new master planner Perry Chapman plans to focus on the relationship between the university and community.

"You need cooperation between the campus and the community to continue to grow," Chapman said. "A project such as MU's proposed Performing Arts Center would serve the community with an easily accessible venue of entertainment as well as provide the faculty and students with a new facility."

With Chapman at the helm and attentive to the long-standing bond between Columbia and MU, both city and university are well prepared for the prosperity of the next 160 years.