Facts from the last century in celebration of our centennial.
- The first Student Council of TJC (now NCMC) was formed in 1925 and was composed of Ivan L. Ebbe, Wilma Fortney, Kathryn Hulen, L.F. King, Mary Leeper, Russell Smith, Lex K. Souter, and George Zeigler. Originally, the council was composed of representatives of the first class with a faculty sponsor. Later, the council was composed of two members from each class, and the activities were coordinated with the cooperation of other members of the administrative staff. Student Council is now called Student Senate.
In 1925, TJC (now NCMC) tuition was $5.00 a credit hour, and there was a $5.00 lab fee.
When TJC (now NCMC) first opened, room and board could be found in Trenton for $1.00 per day.
TJC (now NCMC) opened with only four faculty members. Mary Guthrie-English, Lillian Casebolt-French and Spanish, RE Wessendorf-Social Science, and Zack Walters-Chemistry and Mathematics. O.G. Sanford was the first President and Superintendent serving from 1925 – 1927.
67 students enrolled for opening day of classes at TJC. Students were from Trenton, Spickard, Jamesport, Osgood, Edinburg, Amity, Hickory, Laredo, Gallatin, Milan, Chula, and St. Joseph.
When TJC (now NCMC) first opened, we had a Pirates football team. The first ever TJC football game was played at Pettit Field on October 8th against Palmer College of Albany. Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs were added later that season.
The Phi Mu Epsilon sorority was started and later the Nu Sigma fraternity.
- In September 1926, TJC began publication of a college issue of the Trentonian
- TJC (now NCMC) had fewer than 2,000 volumes in the library.
- On Wednesday evening, May 25, 1927, the first class of 29 students graduated from Trenton Junior College (now NCMC).
NCMC had 10 faculty members.
S.M. Rissler served as TJC (now NCMC) third President for 27 years from 1937-1964 and holds the record for longest tenure of any president.
- ALUMNUS NAMED DEAN Virgil Muse, a member of TJC’s first graduating class, served as Dean from 1937 – 1942.
- Trenton Junior College hosts the first of several consecutive annual state junior college track & field meets. 109 junior college athletes representing 8 out of 10 junior colleges participated in track & field, golf and tennis meets.
- TJC athlete Raymond Harris sets new junior college records in the mile and half-mile races.
- World record holder of the 1936 Olympic games in the in the women’s 100-meter dash, Helen Stephens featured at meet.
TJC (now NCMC)/high school got its first scoreboard in 1938 courtesy of the Republican Times that, for the first time, would sound a horn at the ends of periods and halves, rather than by a whistle blown by officials at the scorekeeper’s table.
- The Women’s Athletic Association was organized to sponsor tournaments in volleyball, basketball, softball, table tennis, shuffleboard, badminton, and archery.
- A pep squad was also formed.
- The college went through some of its most trying years, struggling to survive the crisis of World War II.
In 1946-1955 TJC (now NCMC) had its lowest record number of graduates, at only five.
- E.D. Geyer was Dean of the college for 30 years(1948 – 1978). The students often called him “Mr. Ed.” He was the college’s first full-time Dean.
Phi Theta Kappa, the national honorary scholastic society for community colleges, became active at TJC (now NCMC) and is still active today. NCMC’s chapter is called Eta Mu.
- The Delta Tau Sigma men’s fraternity was chartered.
- The first edition of the student newspaper, The Buccaneer, was published.
- In 1952 C.F. Russell TJC basketball and track coach leaves after 14 years but would later return to TJC as a counselor.
- Don Sipes TJC assistant basketball and golf coach resigns to become administrator of Wright Memorial Hospital. He served from 1942 to 1958.
- Alumnus Don Sturgis ’49 returned to TJC as an assistant basketball coach serving from 1958 to 1966.
- Phi Theta Kappa, the national honorary scholastic society for community colleges, became active at TJC (now NCMC) and is still active today. NCMC’s chapter is called Eta Mu.
Randall W. Tedlock became the fourth college President and holds the record for shortest term of any TJC/NCMC President at just a year and a half from 1964 to mid-year 1966.
TJC (now NCMC) still occupied the third floor of the Adams building on 9th Street in Trenton.
TJC was strictly academic transfer only with no vocational or technical education programs offered.
- George Holley served a brief interim period as the fifth President and in 1966, Dr. William K. Ray came on board as the sixth President of TJC (now NCMC) serving from 1966 – 1975.
TJC (now NCMC) moved to the Central School (now Geyer Hall) building.
- NCMC opened its own building with remodeled classrooms and office space for the fall semester and was entirely separate from the senior high school for the first time in its history with 300 percent increased enrollment.
- The anchor in front of Geyer Hall used to belong to a clipper-type ship that sailed out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, more than 100 years ago. It has become a campus landmark and was presented to the college by Mr. and Mrs. Cleatus Hickman in 1969.
- The Trentonian newspaper’s name was changed to “The Ship’s Log” and published its first article.
- The TAWANA yearbook was renamed SAGA.
TJC (now NCMC) introduced occupational programs in agribusiness, production agriculture, farm management, business mid-management, secretarial science, clerical science, practical nursing, associate in nursing, construction technology, industrial supervision, and emergency medical training.
Chess was a popular pastime at TJC (now NCMC) in the dorms and lounges.
Paul Ricker served as the seventh President from 1975 to 1980.
- NCMC became the sponsor for the Green Hills Head Start program.
- Dr. Robert Webb became the eighth President of the college serving from 1980 to 1986.
- In 1980, TJC (now NCMC) received accreditation by the North Central Association of College and Schools.
NCMC received full accreditation from the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education to become a stand-alone college, separated from the k-12 system.
Groundbreaking and dedication of Hoffman Hall.
- Main college building renamed Geyer Hall after E.D. Geyer to honor his 37 years of service.
- The first NCMC Board of Trustees was elected in 1986 comprised of Frank Hoffman, Russell Joiner, Stan Lowrey, Mark Whiteaker, Scott Forman, and Betty Frances Hall.
- Voters of the R-IX district voted positively on the proposition to organize a junior college district in Trenton, resulting in the split of TJC (now NCMC) from the K-12 system.
- The very first President of NCMC (not part of the k-12 system) and ninth serving President was Dr. Donald A. Gatzke, Ph.D. served from 1986 – 1989
- “Trenton Tessie” day was founded. Each year, the groundhog “Tessie” would make an appearance predicting the next six weeks of weather. Tessie would talk to those who understood “groundhog language.” Her prediction would be followed by fanfare, a welcome from college officials, contests, a history of Groundhog Day, and songs would be sung.
- Jack Derry started the NCMC Lady Pirates softball team.
- Construction for Ellsworth Hall begun with the Willis Alexander Student Center coming later.
- Dr. James E. Selby, Ph.D. was hired as President of North Central Missouri College. Tenth serving President
- A record enrollment of 910 students was reached making NCMC one of the fastest growing colleges in Missouri.
- The ncmc.cc.mo.us domain was issued by Morenet with the first website being hosted on a Mac before being moved to NCMC’s first NT4 server.
- Trenton Junior College Foundation, Inc. was formed.
- Dr. Walter Nolte served as eleventh President from 1997 – 2004.
- The NCMC Time Capsule was buried in 2000 on the Trenton campus.
Selby Residence Hall was built.
The Ketcham Center was completed and was the largest structure on campus.
- The first year that commencement was held in the Ketcham Center.
- The Sugg room is named in honor of graduate Harry Sugg who was an athlete that went on to become a starter on the Crimson Tide basketball team at the University of Alabama.
Upward Bound (UB) and Student Support Services (SSS) were established at NCMC.
Through the generosity of Peter and Nancy Trombley and family, the Geyer Clocktower’s (built in 1883) bell and chimes were fully reconstructed and installed into what we know and hear today.
The ncmissouri.edu domain name was registered by Educause.
- Dr. Neil Nuttall served as the twelfth President serving from 2005-2016.
- Lady Pirates basketball team finished 6th in the nation
- NCMC hosted a meeting of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.
- First-ever High School Holiday Basketball Event “Holiday Hoops” and is still an annual event for NCMC.
- Nursing classes began at the Bethany Area Career Center.
- NCMC and Northwest Missouri State University sign joint articulation and enrollment agreement.
- A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the University of Missouri and four other community colleges for occupational therapy and physical therapy programs.
- A Memorandum of Understanding signed with Crowder College to provide alternative energy fields training.
- The College campus became tobacco-free.
- Groundbreaking began for the Elizabeth and Arthur Barton Farm Campus which opened as second college campus with an emphasis on agriculture.
- Dr. Albert & Vera Cross Hall located on the northwest corner of the Main Campus was dedicated.
- Dr. Lenny Klaver is currently serving as the thirteenth President of North Central Missouri College.
- NCMC Esports was organized and had approximately 15 members.
- The Pirate Plaza includes two residence halls named Anchor A and Anchor B were built.
- Students have 24/7 access to our Library staff by chat or text on Ask a Librarian.
- The Willis Alexander Student Center’s name was changed to Willis Alexander Hall.
- Savannah Campus located in Savannah, Missouri opened.
- The NCMC Library has 22,263 print books, 305,605 eBooks, and 60 electronic databases.
- Students have access to an online search of our Library’s database repositories.
- Russ Derry Baseball/Softball Training Facility was rebuilt.
- 100 year anniversary for the The Phi Mu Epsilon sorority. NCMC oldest student organization that is still active today.
- The first Student Council of TJC (now NCMC) was formed in 1925 and was composed of Ivan L. Ebbe, Wilma Fortney, Kathryn Hulen, L.F. King, Mary Leeper, Russell Smith, Lex K. Souter, and George Zeigler. Originally, the council was composed of representatives of the first class with a faculty sponsor. Later, the council was composed of two members from each class, and the activities were coordinated with the cooperation of other members of the administrative staff. Student Council is now called Student Senate.
In 1925, TJC (now NCMC) tuition was $5.00 a credit hour, and there was a $5.00 lab fee.
When TJC (now NCMC) first opened, room and board could be found in Trenton for $1.00 per day.
TJC (now NCMC) opened with only four faculty members. Mary Guthrie-English, Lillian Casebolt-French and Spanish, RE Wessendorf-Social Science, and Zack Walters-Chemistry and Mathematics. O.G. Sanford was the first President and Superintendent serving from 1925 – 1927.
67 students enrolled for opening day of classes at TJC. Students were from Trenton, Spickard, Jamesport, Osgood, Edinburg, Amity, Hickory, Laredo, Gallatin, Milan, Chula, and St. Joseph.
When TJC (now NCMC) first opened, we had a Pirates football team. The first ever TJC football game was played at Pettit Field on October 8th against Palmer College of Albany. Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs were added later that season.
The Phi Mu Epsilon sorority was started and later the Nu Sigma fraternity.
- In September 1926, TJC began publication of a college issue of the Trentonian
- TJC (now NCMC) had fewer than 2,000 volumes in the library.
- On Wednesday evening, May 25, 1927, the first class of 29 students graduated from Trenton Junior College (now NCMC).
NCMC had 10 faculty members.
S.M. Rissler served as TJC (now NCMC) third President for 27 years from 1937-1964 and holds the record for longest tenure of any president.
- ALUMNUS NAMED DEAN Virgil Muse, a member of TJC’s first graduating class, served as Dean from 1937 – 1942.
- Trenton Junior College hosts the first of several consecutive annual state junior college track & field meets. 109 junior college athletes representing 8 out of 10 junior colleges participated in track & field, golf and tennis meets.
- TJC athlete Raymond Harris sets new junior college records in the mile and half-mile races.
- World record holder of the 1936 Olympic games in the in the women’s 100-meter dash, Helen Stephens featured at meet.
TJC (now NCMC)/high school got its first scoreboard in 1938 courtesy of the Republican Times that, for the first time, would sound a horn at the ends of periods and halves, rather than by a whistle blown by officials at the scorekeeper’s table.
- The Women’s Athletic Association was organized to sponsor tournaments in volleyball, basketball, softball, table tennis, shuffleboard, badminton, and archery.
- A pep squad was also formed.
- The college went through some of its most trying years, struggling to survive the crisis of World War II.
In 1946-1955 TJC (now NCMC) had its lowest record number of graduates, at only five.
- E.D. Geyer was Dean of the college for 30 years(1948 – 1978). The students often called him “Mr. Ed.” He was the college’s first full-time Dean.
Phi Theta Kappa, the national honorary scholastic society for community colleges, became active at TJC (now NCMC) and is still active today. NCMC’s chapter is called Eta Mu.
- The Delta Tau Sigma men’s fraternity was chartered.
- The first edition of the student newspaper, The Buccaneer, was published.
- In 1952 C.F. Russell TJC basketball and track coach leaves after 14 years but would later return to TJC as a counselor.
- Don Sipes TJC assistant basketball and golf coach resigns to become administrator of Wright Memorial Hospital. He served from 1942 to 1958.
- Alumnus Don Sturgis ’49 returned to TJC as an assistant basketball coach serving from 1958 to 1966.
- Phi Theta Kappa, the national honorary scholastic society for community colleges, became active at TJC (now NCMC) and is still active today. NCMC’s chapter is called Eta Mu.
Randall W. Tedlock became the fourth college President and holds the record for shortest term of any TJC/NCMC President at just a year and a half from 1964 to mid-year 1966.
TJC (now NCMC) still occupied the third floor of the Adams building on 9th Street in Trenton.
TJC was strictly academic transfer only with no vocational or technical education programs offered.
- George Holley served a brief interim period as the fifth President and in 1966, Dr. William K. Ray came on board as the sixth President of TJC (now NCMC) serving from 1966 – 1975.
TJC (now NCMC) moved to the Central School (now Geyer Hall) building.
- NCMC opened its own building with remodeled classrooms and office space for the fall semester and was entirely separate from the senior high school for the first time in its history with 300 percent increased enrollment.
- The anchor in front of Geyer Hall used to belong to a clipper-type ship that sailed out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, more than 100 years ago. It has become a campus landmark and was presented to the college by Mr. and Mrs. Cleatus Hickman in 1969.
- The Trentonian newspaper’s name was changed to “The Ship’s Log” and published its first article.
- The TAWANA yearbook was renamed SAGA.
TJC (now NCMC) introduced occupational programs in agribusiness, production agriculture, farm management, business mid-management, secretarial science, clerical science, practical nursing, associate in nursing, construction technology, industrial supervision, and emergency medical training.
Chess was a popular pastime at TJC (now NCMC) in the dorms and lounges.
Paul Ricker served as the seventh President from 1975 to 1980.
- NCMC became the sponsor for the Green Hills Head Start program.
- Dr. Robert Webb became the eighth President of the college serving from 1980 to 1986.
- In 1980, TJC (now NCMC) received accreditation by the North Central Association of College and Schools.
NCMC received full accreditation from the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education to become a stand-alone college, separated from the k-12 system.
Groundbreaking and dedication of Hoffman Hall.
- Main college building renamed Geyer Hall after E.D. Geyer to honor his 37 years of service.
- The first NCMC Board of Trustees was elected in 1986 comprised of Frank Hoffman, Russell Joiner, Stan Lowrey, Mark Whiteaker, Scott Forman, and Betty Frances Hall.
- Voters of the R-IX district voted positively on the proposition to organize a junior college district in Trenton, resulting in the split of TJC (now NCMC) from the K-12 system.
- The very first President of NCMC (not part of the k-12 system) and ninth serving President was Dr. Donald A. Gatzke, Ph.D. served from 1986 – 1989
- “Trenton Tessie” day was founded. Each year, the groundhog “Tessie” would make an appearance predicting the next six weeks of weather. Tessie would talk to those who understood “groundhog language.” Her prediction would be followed by fanfare, a welcome from college officials, contests, a history of Groundhog Day, and songs would be sung.
- Jack Derry started the NCMC Lady Pirates softball team.
- Construction for Ellsworth Hall begun with the Willis Alexander Student Center coming later.
- Dr. James E. Selby, Ph.D. was hired as President of North Central Missouri College. Tenth serving President
- A record enrollment of 910 students was reached making NCMC one of the fastest growing colleges in Missouri.
- The ncmc.cc.mo.us domain was issued by Morenet with the first website being hosted on a Mac before being moved to NCMC’s first NT4 server.
- Trenton Junior College Foundation, Inc. was formed.
- Dr. Walter Nolte served as eleventh President from 1997 – 2004.
Selby Residence Hall was built.
The Ketcham Center was completed and was the largest structure on campus.
- The first year that commencement was held in the Ketcham Center.
- The Sugg room is named in honor of graduate Harry Sugg who was an athlete that went on to become a starter on the Crimson Tide basketball team at the University of Alabama.
Upward Bound (UB) and Student Support Services (SSS) were established at NCMC.
Through the generosity of Peter and Nancy Trombley and family, the Geyer Clocktower’s (built in 1883) bell and chimes were fully reconstructed and installed into what we know and hear today.
- Hoffman Hall was renovated and expanded to what we see today.
The ncmissouri.edu domain name was registered by Educause.
- Dr. Neil Nuttall served as the twelfth President serving from 2005-2016.
- Lady Pirates basketball team finished 6th in the nation
- NCMC hosted a meeting of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.
- First-ever High School Holiday Basketball Event “Holiday Hoops” and is still an annual event for NCMC.
- Nursing classes began at the Bethany Area Career Center.
- NCMC and Northwest Missouri State University sign joint articulation and enrollment agreement.
- A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the University of Missouri and four other community colleges for occupational therapy and physical therapy programs.
- A Memorandum of Understanding signed with Crowder College to provide alternative energy fields training.
- The College campus became tobacco-free.
- Groundbreaking began for the Elizabeth and Arthur Barton Farm Campus which opened as second college campus with an emphasis on agriculture.
- Dr. Albert & Vera Cross Hall located on the northwest corner of the Main Campus was dedicated.
- Dr. Lenny Klaver is currently serving as the thirteenth President of North Central Missouri College.
NCMC Esports was organized and had approximately 15 members.
The Pirate Plaza includes two residence halls named Anchor A and Anchor B were built.
Students have 24/7 access to our Library staff by chat or text on Ask a Librarian.
The Willis Alexander Student Center’s name was changed to Willis Alexander Hall.
- Savannah Campus located in Savannah, Missouri opened.
The NCMC Library has 22,263 print books, 305,605 eBooks, and 60 electronic databases.
- Students have access to an online search of our Library’s database repositories.
- Russ Derry Baseball/Softball Training Facility was rebuilt.
100 year anniversary for the The Phi Mu Epsilon sorority. NCMC oldest student organization that is still active today.