<p>This is a historical overview of the university institution based on the ternary chronological paradigm– Medieval University (XI-XVIII centuries), Modern University (XIX and XX centuries) and Contemporary University&nbsp;(XXI century and on). Then, it takes into account the university purposedetermined nature according to the historical period: Truth (Medieval University), scientific research (Modern University) and professional training ( Contemporary University). It also considers the scientist typology as follows: humanist (Medieval University), experimental (Modern University) and geonomic (Contemporary University). First and second ternary contemporary models have disregarded the prior models to some extent. Nonetheless, the three purpose-determined models contribute to figure out the university institution identity.</p>