From the beginning , Gregory 's desire to establish an institution firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition was at odds with many State residents and lawmakers who wanted the university to offer classes based solely around `` industrial education '' The University finally opened for classes on March 2 , 1868 , with only two faculty members and 77 students .
It opened for classes on March 2 , 1868 with only two faculty members and a small group of students .