![Black and white image of Missouri Military Academy's campus in 1917.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771866751/missourimilitaryacademyorg/csflhbubkubkhffm9uci/2025-26-Eagle-Tri-Military-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771866751/missourimilitaryacademyorg/csflhbubkubkhffm9uci/2025-26-Eagle-Tri-Military-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771866751/missourimilitaryacademyorg/csflhbubkubkhffm9uci/2025-26-Eagle-Tri-Military-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771866751/missourimilitaryacademyorg/csflhbubkubkhffm9uci/2025-26-Eagle-Tri-Military-3.jpg","width":1200}])
For more than 135 years, Missouri Military Academy has shaped young men into leaders of character, grounded in academic rigor, structure and accountability. Featured photo: MMA's campus in 1917.
Founded in 1889 in Mexico, Missouri, MMA has endured fire, relocation and the passage of time to become the state’s only remaining military boarding school. As detailed in the winter 2025/2026 issue of the Eagle, the Academy carries forward not only its own legacy, but also that of Kemper Military School and College and Wentworth Military Academy — forming Missouri’s historic tri-military tradition.
Kemper Military Academy
The article explores how MMA balances time-honored military structure with modern innovation. From its designation as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction and recognition as an Exemplary Private School, to campus improvements like LEED-certified Barnard Hall and the reconstructed Stribling Hall, the Academy continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its founding mission.
The story also highlights the vital role of alumni engagement. In August 2025, the Kemper Military School and College Alumni Association contributed $50,000 to support MMA, underscoring the shared commitment to preserving Missouri’s military education legacy. Kemper and Wentworth have had a significant impact on thousands of cadets, building leaders of character. MMA is dedicated to ensuring that same honor and legacy continue through our graduates.
Wentworth Military Academy
As MMA President Brig. Gen. Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret) affirms, MMA’s military education model — emphasizing structure, self-discipline, personal responsibility and respect — remains essential in preparing young men to navigate complexity, adversity and change.
Missouri Military Academy stands at the intersection of legacy and renewal, committed to preparing cadets to take command of their lives.
Read the full article in the latest issue of the Eagle.
Bonus Online Feature
As a special addition for our online readers, revisit a fall 1982 news story featured MMA and Kemper Military School and College, including interviews with cadets and the presidents of both schools, Col. Stribling and BG Riddlehoover. The segment was reported by a young Dean Davison ’78, who now serves on MMA’s Board of Trustees.
![Cadet artwork on display at the 2026 Epple Memorial Art Show.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776436883/missourimilitaryacademyorg/gsdj5oxr0h3jmwb0wcyj/2604-Art-Vorga-Squoosh.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776436883/missourimilitaryacademyorg/gsdj5oxr0h3jmwb0wcyj/2604-Art-Vorga-Squoosh.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776436883/missourimilitaryacademyorg/gsdj5oxr0h3jmwb0wcyj/2604-Art-Vorga-Squoosh.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776436883/missourimilitaryacademyorg/gsdj5oxr0h3jmwb0wcyj/2604-Art-Vorga-Squoosh.jpg","width":1200}])
![Brick entrance sign for Missouri Military Academy with campus building and trees in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749551135/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ypvorq6p0hfzu8fxjlzf/missouri-military-academy-campus-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749551135/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ypvorq6p0hfzu8fxjlzf/missouri-military-academy-campus-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749551135/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ypvorq6p0hfzu8fxjlzf/missouri-military-academy-campus-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749551135/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ypvorq6p0hfzu8fxjlzf/missouri-military-academy-campus-web.jpg","width":1200}])