Williams, first dean of the school, believed that journalism education should be professionalized and provided at a university. Toward that end, with the blessing of the University of Missouri and the state legislature, and with financial help from the Missouri Press Association, Williams started the school in September of that year.

Today, some of the best journalists in the world have learned their profession through the Missouri Method, which provides practical hands-on training in real-world media and strategic communication agencies. Top editors, reporters and other executives say Missouri graduates are among the best prepared to work and contribute to the organization from their first day on the job.