Answering the demand for an agricultural college as outlined in the 1850 Michigan State Constitution, the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan was chartered in 1855. A land-grant institution and a leader in scientific agricultural education, the college taught farmers how to meet growing demands and prepared students for a rapidly changing world outside of rural communities. Under the leadership of John Hannah, the institution transitioned to a university in 1955 before being renamed as Michigan State University in 1964. Though it now offers a world-class education in a variety of programs, it remains true to its agricultural roots by promoting global research and collaboration in various scientific endeavors.
