Hardin College and Conservatory of Music

Two academic courses were offered: the Preparatory, consisting of basic primary studies, and the Collegiate, covering advanced classes.

By 1901 Hardin was recognized as the first junior college in the state.

From the beginning brick buildings were planned for the campus.

[3][4] Along with seven other women's colleges in Missouri – Stephens, Christian, Lindenwood, Cottey, Howard Payne, William Woods, and Central Female College – Hardin College and Conservatory of Music was one of the founding schools of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.

It sits on a 9-acre lot which also houses Richardson Hall and Hardin Gym.