Hardin College and Conservatory of Music (1858–1931) was a women's college located in Mexico, Missouri.
Charles Henry Hardin founded the college.[1] [2] Classes began in the fall of 1873. Two academic courses were offered: the Preparatory, consisting of basic primary studies, and the Collegiate, covering advanced classes. Ninety girls enrolled. By 1901 Hardin was recognized as the first junior college in the state. It maintained an enrollment of around two hundred.
From the beginning brick buildings were planned for the campus. In 1925 the property was valued at $600,000. However, by 1931, it was forced to close.
John W. Million was president in 1900 and the previous presidents were A. W. Terrill, Priscilla Baird (Mrs. H. T. Baird), and A. K. Yancy. Oscar B. Smith was president from 1930 until Hardin closed in 1931.[3] [4] Along with seven other women's colleges in Missouri - Stephens, Christian, Lindenwood, Cottey, Howard Payne, William Woods, and Central Female College - Hardin College and Conservatory of Music was one of the founding schools of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Hardin was designated as the Alpha chapter in 1918, though the chapter was later moved to Stephens when it developed bachelor's degree programs. One of Hardin's buildings, Presser Hall, has been restored and is now known as Presser Arts Center. It sits on a 9-acre lot which also houses Richardson Hall and Hardin Gym.