The School of Journalism hired three experienced newsmen and faculty: Walter Williams, editor of the Columbia Herald; Silas Bent, from the staff of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; and Charles G. Ross, from the St. Louis Republic.

According to Dean Williams, the Missourian provided practical experience to journalism students, as the paper afforded "a laboratory course in actual newspaper making."

Throughout its early years, faculty members served as editors of the Missourian, assigning stories to students.

During the early years, the paper suspended publication during summers and university holidays, reflecting its dependence on its student workers.

Its emphasis on University students and on campus life has broadened, offering full service as a community paper in Columbia, Boone County, and mid-Missouri.