Our Story
Growth and expansion underscore the history of The Mizzou Store. In 1899, University of Missouri president R. H. Jesse convened a committee of seven faculty to create a student bookstore. The committee proposed a store owned and operated by students with supervision of a governing board. The store was given a room in Academic Hall (now Jesse Hall) and each founder donated one hundred dollars to create start-up funds. The University Co-Operative Store flourished for many years, serving as a source of books and supplies, as well as providing student employment. By 1940, the store could no longer keep pace with the needs of the expanding campus. At this time, the Co-Op was dissolved and its ownership and assets reverted to the Curators of the University of Missouri. The store was renamed the University Book Store and it eventually became the University Bookstore.
The needs of the campus have grown and expanded over the years. In 2013 the University Bookstore changed its name to The Mizzou Store. The name “bookstore” has served us well in the last 70 years but as we continue to evolve to meet campus needs, our new name better reflects the entirety of the Mizzou experience that our store provides in terms of academics, technology and University tradition.
Because our stores are owned and operated by the University of Missouri, our profits are reinvested back into the campuses we serve, providing financial support for facilities and programs that benefit University of Missouri students. When purchases are made at The Mizzou Store, patrons are helping support programs and services that enhance the total student experience. In addition to supporting student scholarships and student employment opportunities, The Mizzou Store has provided donations to support alumni events that raise money for student scholarships, as well as financial support of the MU Student Center, Stankowski Intramural Field, the Student Success Center and annual up keep of historic Memorial Student Union.