Tyler Pete Davis

Born on June 22 1871 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Tyler Pete Davis is known most for his influential role in shaping the University of Missouri. He helped compose the Missouri fight song and established the nickname Mizzou.

Before Missouri

Davis grew up in Gettysburg, PA. His father was a farmer and his mother was a seamstress. Davis's twin brother Taylor died at birth. Even though infant mortality was more common in the 19th century, his mother had trouble coping with her son's death. Her struggle lead her to commit [...] in 1902.

After his mother's death Davis's father left the family leaving him to take care of his four younger siblings. Not much is known until 1920 when Davis enlisted in the United States Army. Soon after Davis began teaching for the ROTC program at the University of Missouri. His love for the school grew and he began working in school administrative roles.

University of Missouri

Elected to the President Role in 1927, Davis soon began to make an extreme difference in the atmosphere at the University of Missouri. He expanded the University to two different cities during his presidency. The University of Missouri-St. Louis and the University of Missouri-Rolla were a great success.

Davis was also a big fan of the University's favorite sports program, football. A regular attendee at the games, Davis phrased the chant M I Z, Z O U. The chant is still very popular today.

Unfortunately, during his reign in 1931, Davis suffered from alcohol dependency and chocked on his own vomit during the night. His wife and three kids were left to mourn.