Stephens College

Stephens College's story began on August 24, 1833, when it opened its doors as the Columbia Female Academy in Columbia, Missouri. This marked it as the first institution of higher education in the city. In 1855, the academy briefly closed, only to be re-established and chartered in 1856 as the Columbia Female Baptist Academy, largely due to the efforts of David H. Hickman. A significant turning point arrived in 1870 when, thanks to a generous $20,000 endowment from James L. Stephens, the institution was renamed Stephens College in his honor. It wasn't until 1933, during its centennial celebration, that the college officially recognized 1833 as its founding year, having previously cited 1856.

Throughout its long history, Stephens College has cultivated a tradition of innovative educational programs, consistently providing young women with unique classroom and experiential learning opportunities. The college has seen numerous developments, including the establishment of its renowned Drama Department under actress Maude Adams from 1937 to 1943. The equestrian program, a hallmark of Stephens, began in 1926, alongside the Prince of Wales riding club. Over the decades, Stephens has adapted and grown, introducing an aviation program for women in 1944 and debuting Stephens Without Walls (now Graduate, Online and Certificate Programs) in 1970. In 1983, Patsy Sampson made history as the first female president of the college. The college embraced a pet-friendly campus policy in 2004, further solidifying its unique and welcoming environment. Today, Stephens College stands as the second-oldest women's college in the United States, committed to its mission to 'Learn. Grow. Lead.' and continues to evolve, offering undergraduate programs for women, co-educational graduate programs, and a children's school, all while remaining dedicated to empowering its students.