On April 13–14, 1853, Central Methodist University was founded by Nathan Scarritt and David Rice McAnally.
It came about due largely to the diligent work of Nathan Scarritt and David Rice McAnally.
In about 100 years the school grew to a campus of 55 acres (22.3 ha), enrollment of over 1,000 students and a faculty of 65.
The battle occurred on September 24, 1864, when two bands of Southern sympathizers attacked the Union troops stationed in Fayette; it ranged across the town to end on what is now the college's campus.
The guerrillas were led by William "Bloody Bill" Anderson and George Todd, and included among their number were Frank and Jesse James, of outlaw fame.
[6] In later years, Frank James said that the Fayette fight made him "the worst scared I ever was during the war."
"[6] On October 14, 2007, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources commemorated the battle by placing a marker on the Central Methodist University campus.
Notable features include Linn Memorial United Methodist Church, Swinney Conservatory, Brannock Hall, Little Theatre, Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art, and Quadrangle (aka "The Quad").
The college also has the Morrison Observatory next to the president's home across the street from the Fayette city park.
On-campus cultural attractions include the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art, Stephens Museum, concerts presented by the Swinney Conservatory of Music, and productions hosted in the Little Theatre or on the Quad.
Howard Payne Hall was built in 1851 boarding house for women by William T. Lucky and Nathan Scarritt.
one way being that it was used in World War II as the Navy sick bay, and has also been used as a residence building for female students.
[citation needed] Classic Hall was built in 1911 and was considered to be the great learning center on campus.
In 1964 the science and math classes were moved to Stedman, and T. Berry was given its name after Central's chemistry professor and president.
T. Berry Smith Hall now houses the social science, education, religion, and philosophy department.
It was constructed in 1957 and was named after Ivan Lee Holt, Bishop of Missouri and Central Curator.
It was named after Cyrus Burford, an alumnus of Central and a longtime member of the board of curators.
It is the newest academic building and offers increased lab and classroom space for nursing, athletic training, occupational and physical therapy assistant; high-tech simulation experience labs for nursing, and flexible classroom space for greater faculty-student interaction.
The university also has several regional locations for continuing and graduate education programs in the Missouri communities of Clinton, Columbia, Dexter, Lake of the Ozarks, Linn, Macon (2010),[9] Neosho, Park Hills, Poplar Bluff, Sedalia, St. Louis, Trenton, Union and Waynesville.
It also has an extensive online program and partnerships with several community colleges in Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois.
The Eagles previously competed as an NAIA Independent from 1986–87 to 1990–91; and in the Missouri College Athletic Union (MCAU) from 1924–25 to 1970–71.
Central Methodist competes in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track & field, and wrestling; basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball and wrestling; and co-ed sports include competitive cheer, competitive dance and eSports.
The previous unofficial fight song had been Hail, Victory written by Central College alum and former drum major Robert Earl Stepp.