"It's rather bold for this to occur on our campus,” said Mike Jungers, Missouri State University’s associate dean of students.

An attack on a college campus is worrisome but the timing of this one is downright odd. Between 8:30 and 9 on a busy Tuesday night, a woman went for a run on the campus.

"That's not a time you expect things like this to happen,” said Jungers.

The woman is not a student. She was running along Harrison Street when a man ran up to her from behind. There was a quick scuffle but the woman was able to fight off her attacker and escape to safety.

"This just reinforces it's not safe to go jogging anywhere alone after dark,” said Jungers.

The woman wasn't badly hurt, and although she isn't a student, MSU officials say this serves as a scary reminder for both school and city communities.

"We cannot guarantee your safety. It's a partnership. What we provide and what measures you take,” said Jungers. "Maybe it'll help make it more real to students and community members."

Springfield police released this description of the attacker: a white man with a muscular build, wearing a dark hoody and a large ring, maybe a class ring. Anyone with information can call MSU's Department of Safety at (417) 836-5509.