University of Central Missouri: KMOS-TV Presents “Mule Tracks: UCM After 150 Years,” New Documentary Airs Homecoming Week
In celebration of the 1871 founding of the University of Central Missouri, originally known as State Normal School No. 2, KMOS-TV has produced an in-depth history drawing on official archives, historian interviews, and recollections of current and former university leaders. Narrated by Marion “Woody” Woods (1450 KOKO/98.5 The Bar,) “Mule Tracks: UCM After 150 Years” details significant events in the evolution of the university’s academic structure and the growth of the campus. This program will premiere on KMOS-HD channel 6.1 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19. A public screening also will take place during Homecoming at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, in Nahm Auditorium. Other airdates and information is available at kmos.org/ucm150.
The two-hour documentary is rich with insights from university president Dr. Roger Best and his predecessors Dr. Chuck Ambrose (2010-2018), Dr. Bobby Patton (1999-2005), and Dr. Ed Elliott (1985-1999). Providing additional perspective are former First Lady Sandra Elliott, and Jerry Hughes, vice president of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Beginning with the establishment of the State Normal Schools by the Missouri legislature, this documentary follows the progression of the institution through many changes. Originally founded to train public school teachers, State Normal No. 2 was granted status in 1919 as the four-year Central Missouri State Teachers College. It quickly grew to become Central Missouri State College in 1946, then attained university status in 1972 to reflect its expanding campus, curriculum and enrollment. In 2006 the name was modified to signal a mission beyond the region, turning CMSU into UCM. After opening 150 years ago with an enrollment of 30 students gathered on the second floor of the Warrensburg high school, UCM has grown to meet challenges of a changing world to become a university offering degrees in more than 100 majors to about 10,500 students annually.
In presenting the history of UCM, KMOS producers consulted several historians including Ashley McGuffey, author “University of Central Missouri – 150 Years of Education for Service;” Dr. Delia Cook Gillis, professor of history and Africana studies; Dr. Jon Taylor, professor of history; Dr. Amber Clifford-Napoleone, director, McClure Archives and University Museum; Dr. Sara Brooks Sundberg, professor of history, and Bruce Uhler, Johnson County, Missouri historian.
We will also learn about many of UCM’s successful alumni, including author Dale Carnegie, filmmaker Grant Curtis, Missouri Secretary of State James C. Kirkpatrick, temperance activist Carrie Nation, NFL coach Katie Sowers, and communications entrepreneur David Steward.