Howard–Payne Junior College facts for kids

Howard–Payne Junior College was a special school just for young women. It was located in Fayette, Missouri. This college was connected to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, a church group. It first opened its doors in 1859 and taught students until 1927.

A Look Back at Howard–Payne College

Early Days and Challenges

The school started even before it was a college! It began as an academy for girls in 1828. In 1859, it officially became Howard Female College.

Classes at the college were briefly stopped during the American Civil War. This happened between 1864 and 1865. Some classes continued until soldiers from the Union Army took over the campus.

After the war, the college faced big money problems. It was in debt for about ten years. Then, in 1869, a man named Moses U. Payne from Rocheport bought the college.

New Name and Growth

After buying the college, Mr. Payne gave its land and buildings to the church. New buildings were added to the campus in the 1890s. These included a science building and a museum. In 1892, the college's name was officially changed to Howard–Payne Junior College.

Howard–Payne was connected to other junior colleges for women in Missouri. In 1918, it was one of the first eight colleges to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. This is a special group that honors excellent students.

Accreditation and Closure

In 1923, Howard–Payne received official approval from the Higher Learning Commission. This meant the college met high standards for education.

However, the college closed in 1927. This happened because several smaller Methodist colleges in Missouri joined together.

Today, the old Howard–Payne buildings are used by Central Methodist University.

Notable People

• Allie Luse Dick (1886, M.A. degree), a music teacher who earned her master's degree here.