Lincoln University is a black public land grant university in Jefferson City, Missouri. Designated by the state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890, Lincoln University is a historically regarded institution in our country today.
In 2007, according to the US News and World Report rankings of master’s-level universities in the Midwest, Lincoln University was ranked third for economic diversity, fifth for campus ethnic diversity, and ninth for most internationally diverse students. The school was founded in 1866 by African-American Civil War veterans and is a member-school of Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
History of Lincoln University – Jefferson City, Missouri
At the time of the Civil War, the 62nd Colored Infantry regiment of the United States Army, largely made up of men in Missouri, created an educational program for their soldiers. Towards the end of the war, they raised $6,300 to create a black school, overseen by a white abolitionist officer, Richard Foster. In 1866, Foster created the Lincoln Institute in Jefferson City. Lincoln had a black student enrollment and had both black and white teachers and support from religious groups outside of the school. The state government provided $5,000 per year to educate teachers for Missouri’s new black school system.
The College had grown to offer graduate programs by 1921 and was officially named a university by the State of Missouri. In 1954, the university changed its name to “Lincoln University of Missouri.” In 1954, the University opened its enrollment to applicants of all races. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Sports at Lincoln University
Lincoln University competes at the NCAA Division II level in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Lincoln participated in the MIAA from 1970 to 1999, but they had to leave without a football team since 1989. Lincoln University was part of the Heartland Conference from 1999–2010 and is actually a founding conference member. The school rebuilt its football program and joined the MIAA in 2010. The Lincoln University’s Women’s Track Team has made NCAA Division II history by winning the Outdoor Track and Field Championships 5 times in a row.
The school offers programs in the following sports: men’s basketball, football, golf, track and field, and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, softball, and track and field.
Activities
Traditionally held on the first Saturday of February is Founders Day, which pays tribute to Lincoln University’s founders. Homecoming happens in October, a celebratory time where friends and family of Lincoln University get together to participate in assorted fun and formal activities. Usually held in late April is Springfest, a time to celebrate spring with games, activities, and other events throughout the week.
Music
Lincoln University’s marching band is the “Marching Musical Storm.” The marching band was created in 1948 and is one of the biggest student organizations at the university. The band performs at all home basketball games, home football games, and many other special school-sanctioned functions throughout the year.
Lincoln University’s alma mater is sung to the tune of “Ach wie ist’s möglich dann,” an old German folk song published in 1827 and credited to Georg Heinrich or Friedrich Silcher Kuchen.
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