College History

The history of Jefferson College is one of vision, perseverance, and community partnership. The College’s story began in 1961 with Senate Bill Number Seven, introduced by Senator Earl Blackwell of Hillsboro, which paved the way for the creation and funding of public junior colleges in Missouri.

As the need for accessible higher education grew, a dedicated group of Jefferson County citizens organized and petitioned the State Board of Education to form a Junior College District. On April 2, 1963, voters approved the proposal by just 58 votes, making Jefferson County the second junior college district established in Missouri.

Seventeen months later, 300 students gathered at Hillsboro High School to enroll in the newly formed Jefferson College. By February of that year, the first bond issue for a permanent campus had passed by a 3 to 1 margin, and 175 acres of rolling green land along Highway 21 were generously donated by Jack Molasky and Max Lubin. In September 1965, the College opened its first permanent building, the Student Center. The first commencement took place in June 1966, celebrating 31 graduates.

Jefferson College’s first academic year in 1964 focused on transfer academic courses. As enrollment grew, new programs and physical spaces were added, including offerings in the Vocational Technical Division. In 1965, Jefferson College became the first community college in Missouri designated as an area vocational school. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the College continued expanding academic options and introduced off campus evening classes in 1970.

During the 1980s and 1990s the College continued significant physical expansion and a strategic commitment to serving the entire Jefferson County community. The decade began with a strong vote of confidence from the district's residents, who approved a substantial $4.3 million bond issue in the early 1980s. This funding paved the way for major campus development. The College recognized the need to move beyond its Hillsboro main campus, leading to the establishment of the Jefferson College Imperial location in 1984. This satellite campus was critical for delivering specialized training, particularly for the Law Enforcement Academy and EMT-Paramedic programs, serving the eastern side of the county. Further emphasizing regional accessibility, the College opened the Jefferson College Arnold campus in 2007, strategically expanding its reach to the densely populated northern communities.

The main Hillsboro campus also underwent continuous modernization and growth to accommodate student needs and technological advancements. The Technology Center was established in 1986, forming a dedicated hub for technical and career education. A major shift in campus life occurred in 2001 with the opening of Viking Woods, the college's first student housing complex, fundamentally changing the residential experience. This commitment to on-campus living was reinforced decades later with the completion of a new residential building at Viking Woods in late 2024. Furthermore, the College invested heavily in its infrastructure through large-scale projects, including the construction of a new Veterinary Technology Center in 2025 and significant renovations to the Fine Arts facilities, planned for completion in 2026.

Beyond brick-and-mortar additions, this era also saw key organizational and academic developments. The Jefferson College Foundation was established in 1991 to secure philanthropic funding, creating a vital long-term financial support structure. The College embraced the digital age by formally establishing JC Online in 2010, ensuring flexible learning options for its students. These efforts reflect a focused strategy on increasing accessibility, enhancing student services, and deepening community ties.

Today, the Hillsboro campus spans more than 400 acres and includes 16 buildings designed for flexibility, growth, and evolving educational needs.

Expansion and Locations

Jefferson College Imperial
Opened in 1984, the 20,000 square foot Imperial campus at 4400 Jeffco Boulevard became home to the Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) and the EMT Paramedic program. (After renovating the Arnold location with new training facilities in 2024, the LEA and EMT programs were relocated and the Imperial campus is now closed.)

Jefferson College Arnold
To better serve northern Jefferson County, the Arnold campus opened in 2007. The 40,000 square foot facility at 1687 Missouri State Road expanded educational access through credit and continuing education programs.

JC Online
Launched in 2010, JC Online established the College’s virtual campus, offering a full range of online classes and e services for students who prefer flexible, technology driven learning.

Recent Growth and Modernization

Jefferson College Arnold
In 2024, major enhancements further strengthened the College’s footprint. A significant addition to the Arnold campus was completed, providing new, state of the art training facilities for the EMT Paramedic Program and the Law Enforcement Academy, as well as upgraded biology labs and a reimagined entryway and lobby. With these updates, the programs previously located at the Imperial campus were relocated, and the Imperial site was officially closed.

Veterinary Technology Building
The newest addition to the Hillsboro campus, completed in Fall 2025, features advanced laboratory spaces, a fully equipped surgery room, kennels, a welcoming reception area, recovery spaces, classrooms, offices, and a student lounge, creating a dynamic, hands-on environment for veterinary education.

Fine Arts Center
The Fine Arts Building is undergoing an exciting transformation opening  in March 2026. The expanded, beautifully enhanced lobby and brand-new box office are designed for convenience and engagement. An additional art gallery showcases the creativity of students and community artists, while upgraded restrooms and a new elevator ensure greater comfort and accessibility for all. Music students benefit from new, purpose-built practice spaces, and additional accessible parking make visits easier than ever. 

From a bold idea in the early 1960s to a thriving, comprehensive community college today, Jefferson College has grown and evolved  into a modern, multi-site educational system, building on a legacy of access, innovation, and community support.

The Student Center was built in 1965. It is the first permanent building to be erected on a junior college campus in Missouri.