Culver-Stockton College

Founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ church, Culver-Stockton College has more than 160 years of educational and historical experience – surviving the Civil War and Great Depression, promoting social equality and incorporating technological advances – always striving to reach new levels of excellence.

We pride ourselves on the experiential advantages we provide our students like our the 12/3 semester calendar, implemented in the fall of 2008, which includes a 12-week semester of classes with a 3-week time frame for a single class, internship or Travel Study program.Culver-Stockton’s 140-acre campus overlooking the Mississippi River is home to 1100 students who choose from more than 60 majors and minors. Students can also create their own major, truly making their options limitless.

On average, for every 15 students, C-SC has one faculty member, with 71 percent holding the highest degree in their field.Wildcat athletes have exceptional leadership, including a three-time volleyball Olympian and professional soccer player.

Students are involved with community service, the student-run newspaper and radio station, mock trial, Greek life, fine art productions and more than 50 other student groups.Attending C-SC means you join a network of students, faculty and alumni who care about you because you are now a Wildcat.

The mission of Culver-Stockton College is to prepare students of promise for a dynamic world through our distinctive experiential curriculum within a supportive learning community founded upon the best values of faith and the human spirit.

“We See the Future” our five year strategic plan, has an evergreen nature, meaning it is a living document that remains a five year strategic plan over time, as we complete one year we add another. Also, as we see opportunities for new direction due to the changing academic climate, our plan is flexible and can be revised, adjusted or modified to ensure the College remains at the forefront of the Student Experience. In addition, there will be an annual review to revise goals, develop new goals and share results.

Culver-Stockton College's unique curriculum provides countless real-world learning opportunities for students. Coupled with our distinctive 12/3 semester calendar, our hands on approach to learning equips C-SC students with skills they can use as soon as they graduate in the workplace and throughout their lives. Our academics are rooted in real-world lessons.Students have numerous opportunities to experience leadership, professional experience, research & innovation, service learning, simulations, travel study and visual/performing arts. During a student’s time on "the Hill" their learning will set them up for true success in life.

The Culver-Stockton campus and the city of Canton, Mo., are very safe places to live with extremely low crime rates. The safety of the students is the top priority of the Campus Safety staff, which maintains a close working relationship with the Canton Police Department and other public service entities in Northeast Missouri.

Campus Safety staff includes a director, assistant director and four full-time safety officers. Safety officers routinely patrol campus, conduct vehicle checks, enforce parking and issue permits, conduct security surveys, provide student escorts and document incidents. Other duties include the presentation of training and crime prevention programs.

In the 1850s, D. Pat Henderson and other Disciples of Christ leaders were interested in creating an institution to educate young men and women. In 1853, they were granted a charter by the State of Missouri to establish Christian University, the first coeducational college west of the Mississippi River. Dr. James Shannon became the first president and classes began in 1855.

During the Civil War, classes were suspended while federal troops occupied the college’s only building, Old Main. Under the leadership of Ben H. Smith, the College reopened in 1865 but made little progress until Dr. Carl Johann became president in 1902. When Old Main burned in 1903, the building was replaced by Henderson Hall.

In 1917, Christian University officially changed its name to Culver-Stockton College to honor its benefactors Mary Culver and Robert Stockton. Culver and Stockton were staunch supporters of the College, helping to keep operations going several times over the years.

Christian University President Carl Johann met Stockton on a fundraising campaign. Stockton later became a generous donor, giving money to help repair the college after a fire, to build cottages for married students, support teachers’ salaries, paying off college debt and more.

Culver made generous donations to Christian University, guided by the advice of Robert Stockton, who her husband’s business partner. She donated to help the College advance teacher salaries, improve library and laboratory facilities and build L.L. Culver Gymnasium in honor of her late husband.

Most of the buildings currently on campus were built after 1937. Since 1980, many of the major buildings have been renovated and others built.The newest building, the Carolyn L. and Robert W. Brown Residence Hall, opened in 2017.

In May 2003, a tornado struck campus and the city of Canton. Henderson Hall was damaged, and the landmark dome (used by river captains for navigation) was ripped off. The Field House was leveled and Zenge Hall, a fraternity house, was damaged beyond repair. Other buildings received minor damage, and 300 trees were brought down on the hill behind Henderson Hall. Fortunately, no one was injured. The dome was replaced, and the buildings were repaired or replaced.