1850-1859

• 1850 - The Constitution of the State of Michigan provides for an Agricultural College.
• 1855 - $5,000 Faculty and Free Tuition
• 1855 - Michigan State University has had six different names in its history.
• February 12, 1855 - College is founded
• June 16, 1855 - Campus Site Selected: "A Judicious and Admirable Location"
• 1856 - Construction of College Hall and the boarding hall "Saints' Rest."
• December 10, 1856 - First Course Studies at the College
• 1857 - MSU has had 21 presidents over the course of its existence
• 1857 - First Faculty & Staff of Nine; Total Payroll: $5,000
• 1857 - Joseph R. Williams Named First President of the College
• 1857 - Michigan Agricultural College was the first institution of higher learning in the United States to teach scientific agriculture
• May 13, 1857 - College is formally dedicated and opened
• May 14, 1857 - Classes and Student Labor Began on May 14, 1857
• 1858 - Written Rules for Students Printed
• 1859 - College survives six attempts to close it between 1859-1869
• 1859 - Lewis R. Fiske named president pro tempore