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History & Mission

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The University of Nebraska was founded on February 15, 1869, less than two years after Nebraska became the nation's 37th state. The original goal of this new land-grant university was, “To afford the inhabitants of this state with the means of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the various branches of literature, science, and the arts.” This goal has stood the test of time, inspiring the university's dedication to the education of students, research in a broad range of disciplines, and service to the state's citizens.

The University of Nebraska is the state's only public university. It became the first institution west of the Mississippi River to offer graduate education in 1903 and joined the prestigious Association of American Universities in 1909. Founded in Lincoln, the university included a medical center in Omaha beginning in 1902.

The University was reorganized under a 1968 act of the Nebraska Legislature. The legislation provided for the addition of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (formerly the municipal University of Omaha) and designated the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center as separate campuses. In 1991, the University of Nebraska at Kearney (formerly Kearney State College) became a campus of the university. The university also includes many research, extension, and service facilities statewide.
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