Spirits of Mizzou

Andrew Walker McAlester

Born in Rocheport, Boone County, Missouri, Andrew Walker McAlester completed a degree in literary studies at the University in 1864. McAlester then studied under Professor Norwood but his medical studies eventually took him to St. Louis, London, Paris, Germany, Chicago and Bellevue, New York before returning to complete an M.A. at the University in 1868. In 1873 McAlester was appointed Chair of Surgery and Obstetrics and became Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in 1880. In 1890, the curriculum and structure of the department was reorganized and improved so much under McAlester that he is considered "The Father of the University of Missouri School of Medicine". McAlester retired as Dean of the School in 1909 but remained active in the field, serving as Health Commissioner for the State of Missouri from 1918 to 1920. Shortly after his death the Medical Building was renamed McAlester Hall in his honor. An annex to the building and nearby park also carry McAlester's name.

Sources:
Switzler, William F., History of Boone County Missouri, St. Louis, 1882.
Neal, M. P., The Genesis, Heritage and Progress of Medical Education at the University of Missouri 1841-1970, University of Missouri, 1971.
Missouri Alumnus, University of Missouri Alumni Association, January 1923.