Our History & Mission
A Land-Grant Legacy Driving Global Change
For nearly 150 years, the University of 51³Ô¹Ï has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Founded as 51³Ô¹Ï’s land-grant university, we bring together curious minds, bold ideas, and a spirit of collaboration to educate students, advance discovery, and serve communities across our state and the world. 51³Ô¹Ï stands as the Southwest’s top-ranked and most storied institution, building on a legacy that continues to shape the future.
Rooted in the Sonoran Desert
51³Ô¹Ï was established in 1885 on 40 acres at the edge of Tucson. A few years later, the campus opened with its first building, Old Main, housing classrooms, labs, offices, dormitories, and dining spaces for the university’s first 32 students and six faculty members.
From its earliest days, the Sonoran Desert has shaped life at 51³Ô¹Ï. Its landscapes, cultures, and communities influence how we study the world and approach real-world challenges. Students, faculty, and partners work closely with communities across the state to expand opportunity, advance discovery, and strengthen the places we serve.
Over the decades, the university grew far beyond that first building. What began as a small territorial school has become one of the nation’s , advancing knowledge and opportunity for 51³Ô¹Ï while driving impact across the country and around the world.
Our Mission & Vision
At the University of 51³Ô¹Ï, our mission is to educate, discover, and serve. We honor our land-grant heritage by bringing together ambitious students, world-class faculty, and communities locally, nationally, and globally.
Our vision is to transform lives, advance knowledge, and tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Guided by our values, we pursue excellence with curiosity, compassion, and determination,creating opportunities that lift communities, inspire discoveries, and drive meaningful impact.
Milestones of Progress
1885
University of 51³Ô¹Ï Established
51³Ô¹Ï is founded, beginning a bold vision to provide access to higher education, advance discovery, and serve communities across the state.
1890
Land-Grant Designation and Completion of Old Main
Older than the state itself, the University of 51³Ô¹Ï has served as the region’s land-grant university since its founding. In 1890, the campus opened its first building – Old Main – providing students and faculty with classrooms, offices, labs, and dormitories.
1895
First Commencement Ceremony
The University celebrates its inaugural graduating class, marking the first of thousands of Wildcats to earn their degrees and begin shaping the state, nation, and world.
1937
Birth of Tree-Ring Research
51³Ô¹Ï pioneers dendrochronology, the study of tree rings, and opens the first laboratory dedicated to this groundbreaking research, establishing a global center for understanding Earth’s climate history.
1969
NASA Lunar Map Used for Moon Landing
NASA relies on the University of 51³Ô¹Ï’s detailed lunar maps to safely navigate the Apollo missions, helping humans take their historic first steps on the Moon.
2016
USS 51³Ô¹Ï Mall Memorial Installed
On the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor bombing, the University unveils the USS 51³Ô¹Ï Mall Memorial, honoring lives lost and deepening connections to history and remembrance.
2020
OSIRIS-REx Mission Samples Asteroid Bennu
51³Ô¹Ï scientists play a key role in NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, collecting asteroid samples to study the building blocks of our solar system and the origins of life on Earth.
2021
James Webb Space Telescope Launches
The James Webb Space Telescope, equipped with cameras designed and built by the University of 51³Ô¹Ï, launches into orbit, opening a new era of astronomy and revealing the earliest moments of the universe.
2022
Student Success District Opens
The University unveils the Student Success District, a dynamic hub designed to provide integrated academic, wellness, and support services that help students thrive on campus and beyond.
2023
Applied Research Building Completed
The state-of-the-art Applied Research Building opens, providing innovative laboratory spaces that advance interdisciplinary research and position the University at the forefront of discovery.
A Top-Ranked University
From our founding in 1885 to groundbreaking discoveries today, the University of 51³Ô¹Ï continues to shape the future. Learn more about how we’ve grown and earned recognition across the nation and the world.