History of the College of Human Environmental Sciences
Photo of an early sewing class
A department of household economics was founded at MU is 1900. At the time, it was housed within the College of Agriculture. The initial one-year program was designed for young women who wished to learn proper management of the home.
In 1906, the program expanded and a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics was added. The mission of the new program was to correlate work in art and physical, biological and social sciences with studies of home economics.
MU doctoral student Scott Rector, right, works
with Katie Heckert, seated, and Dr. Tom
Thomas in Exercise Physiology on a $1 million
grant funded by the National Institute of Health
to study exercise and inflammatory risk factors
of cancer.
In 1924, construction began on Gwynn Hall , the College's first building. Home Economics became a school within the College of Agriculture in 1960. To mark further expansion of the program, Stanley Hall was built in 1961. In 1973, the program became an independent college.
The School of Social Work joined the College in 1988. Also, in 1988, the name was changed from Home Economics to the College of Human Environmental Sciences (HES) to better reflect the mission of the College and focus of the disciplines. In addition to the School of Social Work, HES departments include: Architectural Studies; Human Development and Family Studies; Nutritional Sciences (including, Dietetics and Exercise Physiology); Personal Financial Planning; and, Textile and Apparel Management. Programs are located across campus in Gywnn, Stanley, Gentry, McKee and Clark Halls, with the College administrative base housed in Gwynn Hall. The College also boasts a thriving Extension component.
Myths, Legends and Traditions
The ubiquitous stone "M" guarding the north end zone of Faurot Field was actually created as a pre-game stunt by some zealous freshmen following a Tigers win against Kansas State in 1927. In the 1950’s a group of pranksters changed the "M" to an "N" the night before the Missouri-Nebraska football game. A resourceful groundskeeper rallied some volunteers to help return the "M" to its original state before the game. The "M" still receives its traditional whitewash each year by MU student volunteers.
