The Campus

THE CAMPUS

Carefully designed to preserve the natural beauty of the setting, the campus today provides for students, faculty, and staff a feeling of freedom combined with convenience and unity. The Truman campus maintains the advantages of a small university where students and faculty may interchange ideas informally and where academic resources are close at hand. Since the original purchase of the first ten acres on this site, the campus has expanded to over 150 acres with over 40 buildings. The older portion of the campus - the “quadrangle” situated around an open court - dates back to 1873. Even today, one leaps into the past of campus design when walking into the quadrangle, for the original Truman State University campus was based on Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia. While the later additions are contemporary in style, the campus buildings reflect similar aesthetic details of the Georgian style.

Pickler Memorial Library, on the western edge of the quadrangle, is named in honor of a former faculty member whose contribution made possible the erection of a library building after the original library was destroyed by fire in 1924. A 33,000-square foot air-conditioned library addition was completed in 1967, and in 1970-71 the original part of the library was remodeled. A five-year project, divided into two phases, to add new space and to remodel the existing buildings was completed in early 1993. This project was designed with flexibility in mind so that library services could easily be adapted to both current and future developments in technology. Located on the quadrangle side of the library is the beautiful Virginia Young Stanton Garden, which was dedicated in 1996.

Pickler Memorial Library currently has a book and media collection, including a U.S. Document Depository, that contains over a half million volumes. It is augmented by access to over 35,000 journals and periodicals and 1.5 million microforms. In addition to an expanding collection of books, periodicals, and microforms, and to an increasing number of online electronic information resources, the library contains several special collections donated by distinguished faculty and alumni. Along with our strong on-campus collections, the library is a member of the MOBIUS library system, which allows students and faculty to easily borrow library materials from over 60 Missouri academic institutions. Also housed in the library is the Writing Center and the Center for Academic Excellence. For more information on the library, visit http://library.truman.edu.

Magruder Hall, built in 1955, expanded in 1968, and remodeled and expanded again in 2005, provides excellent opportunity for the interchange of scientific knowledge. Four departments (Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) and the School of Sciences & Mathematics Office are housed in Magruder Hall. Research laboratories and preparation rooms, a greenhouse chamber, and other facilities in Magruder Hall provide students scholarly interaction and research opportunities with faculty members. The 2005 renovation brought the scientists into one facility with state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and technology. In 2022, six new advanced virtual anatomy tables were installed. The 84-inch digital screens allow for life-size displays and virtual exploration The Del and Norma Robison High Tech Planetarium and Multi Media Center opened in 2014.

Located on the southern edge of the quadrangle, the McKinney Center houses University Counseling Services and the Student Health Center. Counseling Services provides individual and group counseling services and educational programs. Nearby is Kirk Memorial, which was dedicated in 1940 and honors John R. Kirk, president of Truman State University from 1899 to 1925. Directly in front of the building are the Flame to the Second Century and the bronze statue of Joseph Baldwin, founder and first president of the University. The statue was dedicated in 1927 to mark the 100th anniversary of Baldwin’s birth. Immediately behind Kirk Memorial on the site of the old Baldwin Hall is the landscaped Sunken Garden graced by wooden gazebos at each end.

Constructed in 1923, Kirk Building is named in honor of John R. Kirk, an alumnus and the second-longest tenured president in University history. For generations of alumni, it is remembered as the social center of campus since it was the site of games, assemblies and events. Kirk Building is undergoing renovation. It will house the Student Success Center and the SKILLS Center after renovation and be open for students and the community in Spring 2025.

The Ophelia Parrish building, home of the Art, Music, and Theatre Departments and the School of Arts and Letters Office, was at one time used as a demonstration elementary school. With renovation and expansion completed in 2002, it now contains offices, studios, classrooms, and the University Art Gallery. Included are the state-of-the-art Severns Theatre and Performance Hall.

Completing the quadrangle complex, the present Baldwin Hall, built in 1938, expanded in 1958, and fully renovated in 2017, currently houses the Interfaith Center, Center for International Students, Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Music Practice Rooms, CML Language & Learning Center, and the Center for International Education/Study Abroad. Classrooms and faculty offices are located on the upper floors. The 1,400-seat Baldwin Auditorium located in Baldwin Hall hosts numerous speakers and performing artists throughout the year.

Just west of Baldwin Hall and linked by a walkway is McClain Hall. Completed in 1977, this building houses most major administrative offices; the departments of Political Science, History, English and Linguistics, Classical and Modern Languages, Economics, and Philosophy & Religion; and the School of Social & Cultural Studies Office. On the third floor, classrooms, and the Center for Academic Outreach are ringed by faculty and administrative offices and seminar rooms. On the first floor of this building are faculty and academic support offices, and the Information Technology Services  (ITS) Office. ITS provides centralized computing for large scale research, computer instruction, online information systems, and online interactive computing capability for all interested students, faculty, and staff. Truman is committed to maintaining a computer facility that is as close to state-of-the-art as feasible.

Across the Mall from McClain Hall and graced on the east by a large fountain stands the Student Union Building (SUB or Union). Since opening its door in 1967, the SUB has served as the “living room” of campus. The SUB remains devoted to being a space where students, faculty, staff and community can meet, engage, join, and build community. The building not only features meeting rooms and common spaces for activities, but houses several important services and offices. They are: the Truman Bookstore, Mainstreet Market, Union and Involvement Services (U&I), Dean of Student Life Office, Office of Citizenship and Community Standards, Women’s Resource Center, SERVE Center, Student Activities Board, Student Government, Funds Allotment Council, and the University Career Center. 

West of McClain Hall is the Student Recreation Center, a 58,000 square foot facility opened in 1998. It includes three basketball courts, a multipurpose court, an exercise and weight room, an aerobics studio, an indoor track, and more.

Located on the northern edge of campus, the Ruth W. Towne Museum & Visitors Center is home to the Office of Admission. The 7,600 square foot multi-purpose facility serves as a place for students and parents to become acquainted with Truman State University and its rich heritage. Additionally, the Museum is available to the general public and any visitor to campus to view the exhibits. The facility, formerly the Kirksville Fire Station, has been renovated and repurposed in part through a bequest from Dr. Ruth W. Towne who retired from Truman in 1988 as professor emeritus of history and dean emeritus of graduate studies following a 36-year teaching career at the University. During renovation of Kirk Memorial Building, the original cupola — an iconic architectural element that symbolizes the University’s rich history with a weathervane permanently welded to point to the northeast — was relocated to a place of prominence near the entrance of the Ruth W. Towne Museum & Visitors Center.

Violette Hall, completed in 1965 and located just south of the original quadrangle, was completely renovated and reopened in 1999. It houses classrooms, computer classrooms, academic computer and other laboratories, seminar rooms, the departments of Computer Science, Education, Mathematics, and Statistics, the School of Business Office, and the School of Health Sciences and Education Office. Also located here are the Regional Professional Development Center, and the Assessment and Testing Office.

The Adair Building, located across the street from Violette Hall, houses the McNair Program and Upward Bound.

Pershing Building, named in honor of the distinguished Truman alumnus General John J. Pershing, houses the Health and Exercise Sciences Department Office and Athletics. The building has a large arena with three basketball courts, a one-tenth mile track, and a seating capacity of 2,200. Completed in 1976, and adjoining the Pershing Building on the south side, is the Natatorium housing a six-lane, twenty-five-yard swimming pool.  In 2011, the University completed a major renovation of the Pershing Building. New seating was installed in 2012 and the North Wing was refurbished in 2022.

Just east of the Pershing Building and attached by a walkway is the Health Sciences Building. The Health Sciences building, completed in 2011, houses the departments of Nursing and Communication Disorders. It also includes a state-of-the-art Speech and Hearing Clinic and facilities for Athletic Training.

On the southern edge of the campus, the outdoor athletic area includes Stokes Stadium, the Kenneth Gardner Track, a baseball diamond, softball field, soccer field, lighted tennis courts, and a practice field. Stokes Stadium seats 4,500 and is used for intercollegiate football games and track and field events. A new artificial turf was installed at Stokes Stadium in 2008, as well as new lighting in 2007.  In 2017, Gardner Track was completely renovated, changing the shape of the track to accommodate a soccer field. Stokes Stadium also received new turf and press box in 2017. The Bulldog Kennels house training facilities and adjoin the stadium area.

Barnett Hall, a classroom and laboratory building, houses the departments of Communication, Military Science, Psychology, Justice Systems, and Society and Environment. The addition to the original 1970 building is among the several architectural award winning buildings on campus. In 2007 Barnett Hall was renovated to include student media offices, digital radio and television studios, forensics, departmental offices, and state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs. The Publications Office is located in Barnett Hall, provides free design services for the University.

West of the campus is the 130-acre University Farm and Observatory.

Office Locations

SCHOOL OFFICES:
School of Arts and Humanities		Ophelia Parrish 1101
School of Science and Mathematics		Magruder Hall 2004
School of Business and Professional Studies		Violette Hall 2400

DEPARTMENT OFFICES:
Agricultural and Biological Sciences		Magruder Hall
Art and Design		Ophelia Parrish
Business and Economics		Violette Hall
Communication and Theatre Arts		Barnett Hall
Communication Disorders		Health Sciences Building
Computer and Data Sciences		Violette Hall
Education		Violette Hall
English		Baldwin Hall
Exercise Science		Pershing Building
Health Science		Violette Hall
Languages and Linguistics		McClain Hall
Mathematics		Violette Hall
Military Science		Barnett Hall
Music		Ophelia Parrish
Nursing		Health Sciences Building
Physical Sciences		Magruder Hall
Psychology and Counseling		Barnett Hall
Social Sciences and Human Inquiry		Baldwin Hall

ADMINISTRATIVE & STUDENT SERVICES OFFICES:
Admission		Ruth W. Towne Museum & Visitors Center
Alumni/Advancement		McClain Hall
Assessment & Testing		Violette Hall
Athletics		Pershing Building
Bookstore		Student Union Building
Business Office		McClain Hall
Career Center		Student Union Building
Cashier		McClain Hall
Center for Academic Excellence		Pickler Memorial Library
Center for Academic Outreach		McClain Hall
Center for Diversity and Inclusion		Baldwin Hall
Center for International Education		Baldwin Hall
Citizenship and Community Standards		Student Union Building
Dean of Student Life		Student Union Building
Financial Aid		McClain Hall
Funds Allotment Council		Student Union Building
Gender Equity/EEO Officer		McClain Hall
General Counsel		McClain Hall
Graduate Office		McClain Hall
ID Office		Missouri Hall
Information Technology Services		McClain Hall
International Student Affairs		Baldwin Hall
Intramurals		Recreation Center
Language Learning Center		Baldwin Hall
McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program		Adair Building
Payroll		McClain Hall
Physical Plant		General Services
President’s Office		McClain Hall
Public Relations		McClain Hall
Registrar		McClain Hall
Residence Life		Missouri Hall
Scholastic Enhancement Experience		Baldwin Hall
SERVE Center		Student Union Building
Sodexo Food Services		Student Union Building
Speech & Hearing Clinic		Health Sciences Building
Student Access and Disability Services		Pickler Memorial Library
Student Accounts		McClain Hall
Student Activities Board		Student Union Building
Student Life		Student Union Building
Student Health Center		McKinney Center
Student Senate		Student Union Building
Union and Involvement Services		Student Union Building
University Counseling Services		McKinney Center
Vice President for Academic Affairs		McClain Hall
Women’s Resource Center		Student Union Building
Writing Center		Pickler Memorial Library