Our History
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 Dr. Bonnie Humphrey, the college’s first female president.
2006
MVC graduates largest class, 266.
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.