Founders' Day
Each year, Lincoln University of Missouri celebrates its founding with a Founders’ Day celebration.
Founders’ Day 2025 Convocation
About the founding of Lincoln University
Founded in January 1866 by Civil War veterans of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries, Lincoln Institute opened in Jefferson City on Sept. 17, 1866, with two students. In 1887, Lincoln added college-level classes to the curriculum.
Under the second Morrill Act of 1890, the school became a land-grant institution. A name change in 1921 to Lincoln University accompanied the school’s expansion to a four-year institution; graduate studies were added in 1940.
In 1954, the historically Black university opened its doors to all students and today serves a diverse student population of nearly 1,800 with an array of academic offerings.
As we honor our past on Founders' Day, we also look forward to the future. Today, Lincoln moves forward to build on the foundation created by the soldiers of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries. We work to change the world for the better and to break down barriers to advance education.