Culver-Stockton College: A Legacy of Education and Experiential Learning

Culver-Stockton College (C-SC), nestled in Canton, Missouri, stands as a testament to the power of tradition and innovation in higher education. Affectionately known as “the Hill” to generations of students, the college offers not just an education, but a vibrant experience where lifelong friendships are forged, passions are discovered, and students are prepared to lead with wisdom and perspective. With a rich history dating back to 1853, Culver-Stockton has evolved into a unique institution that prioritizes experiential learning and individualized attention.

A Foundation Built on Vision and Inclusivity

The story of Culver-Stockton College begins in the early 1850s with D. Pat Henderson and other Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) leaders. They envisioned establishing an institution of higher learning to educate young men, dreaming of “having in our midst one of the best literary and scientific institutions in the Union.” However, before the charter was approved by the state of Missouri, the founders made a groundbreaking decision: the school should be co-educational. This amendment led to the establishment of Christian University on January 28, 1853, as the first college west of the Mississippi River chartered for coeducation.

Classes began in 1855, but the admission of women was initially delayed due to concerns about off-campus housing. Christian University reopened after the Civil War, and Alice Staples became the first female student to enroll in spring 1866. She became the first female graduate in October 1870, and she was listed as the class salutatorian in the school's Union Literary Magazine.

Trials and Transformations

The early years were not without their challenges. During the Civil War, Union troops occupied Old Main, the only campus building at the time, using it as a hospital, prison, and barracks. This occupation caused substantial damage and forced the school to cease operations until after the war ended.

On March 23, 1903, Old Main burned down. Due to the leadership of Dr. Carl Johann, the school’s president, Old Main soon was replaced by Henderson Hall. The early 20th century also saw such additions as Culver-Stockton Hall (now Johnson Residence Hall), the L.L.

Despite these setbacks, the institution persevered, driven by the unwavering commitment of its leaders and supporters. In 1914, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to rename the school Culver-Stockton College in honor of Mary Culver and Robert Stockton, long-time dedicated staunch supporters from St. Louis. President Johann met Stockton on a fundraising campaign. Stockton later became a generous donor, giving money to help repair the College after a fire, build cottages for married students, support teachers’ salaries, pay off college debt, and more. Culver, the wife of Stockton’s late business partner L.L. Culver, also made generous donations to the College. She donated to help advance teacher salaries, improve library and laboratory facilities and build the gymnasium in honor of her husband. The new name took effect in 1917.

Growth and Adaptation

The postwar years would see more growth and change as the institution constructed Ellison Poulton Stadium, dedicated the Carl Johann Memorial Library and celebrated the college centennial in 1953 by welcoming former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to campus to speak in front of 1,500 people in the L.L. Culver gymnasium.

Rapid change would mark the next several decades on campus, including construction of the Shannon, McDonald and Ziegler (now Stone) residence halls, completion of the Ada Wallace Roberts concourse, and the opening of the Alexander Campbell Auditorium. Work began in 1970 on a student center to be named after donor Gladys Crown. The 1970s and 1980s, under the leadership of President Robert W.

The Mississippi River suffered a disastrous 500-year flood in the summer of 1993 which Canton’s levee alone could not contain. The College and community joined together to respond to the crisis. In the end, Canton won the fight, and the town’s levee held. The scene of 1993 would repeat itself in July 2008 with another epic flood, and once again the town and the College joined together to battle and repel the floodwaters.

A different disaster struck campus on May 10, 2003 when, just hours after commencement, a devastating tornado destroyed Charles Field House and Zenge Hall, ripped off the Henderson dome, and felled some 300 trees around campus.

Read also: Culver Academies Affordability

Academics: Experiential Learning at the Forefront

The 2000s brought significant academic changes to “the Hill” with the decision by the faculty to make experiential learning the focus of the curriculum. The school adopted its current 12-week + 3-week academic semester calendar in fall 2008, making C-SC one of two institutions in the nation to have such a format. The calendar was designed to better allow a variety of forms of experiential learning, which serves as the foundation of a C-SC education.

C-SC features a unique 12/3 semester system, in which one semester lasts for twelve weeks and is followed by a three-week term dedicated to hands-on learning. For students with unique aspirations, C-SC offers the option to create an individualized major, either a BA or BS.

The college maintains a 4-year Graduation Guarantee, which ensures that eligible students are not charged for any credits necessary to graduate after their fourth year in their degree program.

History Education: Shaping Minds, Building a Better Future

Culver-Stockton's History Education program embodies this commitment to experiential learning. It prepares students to become passionate, informed history teachers who can bring the past to life and prepare the next generation to lead with wisdom and perspective.

At C-SC, history doesn’t just happen in books. You live it. Recent simulations have included The Constitutional Convention of 1787, Henry VII and the Reformation Parliament, Athens at the Threshold of Democracy (403 B.C.E.), Kentucky, 1861: Loyalty, State, and Nation, and Greenwich Village, 1913: Suffrage, Labor, and the New Woman. You don’t just study history. The best way to understand the present is to study the past. Few majors offer the same breadth, depth, and perspective as history. You will develop the ability to think critically, analyze complex issues, and communicate clearly, all skills that make history majors highly sought-after in careers across business, law, education, government, and beyond. At C-SC, you won’t just learn history. At Culver-Stockton, history doesn’t just live in textbooks. It comes alive through experience. With more travel study programs than any other department, you will explore history where it happened. Back on campus, your classes go far beyond lectures. You will step into history through simulation and role-playing games in courses like Athenian Democracy, The American Civil War, Henry VIII, Women’s Rights, and The Crusades.

Campus Life: A Supportive and Engaging Community

Culver-Stockton College provides a supportive and engaging campus environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

At Culver-Stockton College, our students come first. Our 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll enjoy focused, individualized attention. We’re excited that you are interested in the vibrant experiences and educational opportunities that Culver-Stockton College offers. Affectionately known as “the Hill” to generations of students, you can expect to form lifelong friendships, enjoy transformational experiences and discover your passions. The Wildcat community extends around the globe-united by more than 160 years of tradition, built on excellence in education. Our tradition grounds us.

Campus Resources and Activities

The Megaphone, formerly the Christian University Record, is the student-run newspaper of Culver-Stockton College. The Culver-Stockton Archives, which house historical records and artifacts from 1853 to the present, are located on the first floor of the Carl Johann Memorial Library. Materials include replica 19th century attire, sports memorabilia, yearbooks, and college catalogs.

Two campus buildings were added in the years since - the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Recreation and Wellness Center in February 2016, and the Carolyn L. & Robert W. Brown Residence Hall in September 2017.

A Diverse and Inclusive Community

Culver-Stockton College embraces diversity and inclusivity, fostering a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds. The college offers cultural student resource groups to support and celebrate the diverse identities of its students.

Athletics: The Wildcats

Culver-Stockton College is home to the Wildcats, who compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Affordability and Value

Culver-Stockton College is committed to providing an affordable education. The average net price is $20,919.

Tuition: $30,875
Room and Board: $10,400
Books and Supplies: $1100

The college offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants and scholarships, to help students finance their education. Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants: $9,671,535. Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants: $3,283,636

A Bright Future

Culver-Stockton College continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of its students and the world around it. Dr. Kelly M. Thompson was elected in 2014 as the College's first female president. Dr. Lauren B. We are being bold. We are creating change.

With its commitment to experiential learning, individualized attention, and a supportive community, Culver-Stockton College is empowering students to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.

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