Missouri Southern State University in Joplin marked the day, Wednesday when lawmakers elevated the institution from a college to a university. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.
It’s difficult to think of a time when MSSU wasn’t known as Missouri Southern State University, though for the majority of the institution's history, it was known as Joplin Junior College for 40 years between 1937 and 1977.
In the late ‘70s, Missouri Southern became a part of the Missouri higher education system, then offering four-year degrees, and was then known as Missouri Southern State College.
In 2003, another sea change for then MSSC, after decades of advocating by former President Dr. Julio Leon, on July 12, 2023, then Missouri Governor Bob Holden signed Senate Bill 55 to elevate the college to a university.
Governor Holden was on hand Wednesday at Missouri Southern to mark the day.
“Gaining university status has been transformative for Missouri Southern State University, propelling it to the new heights of academic excellence, expanded opportunities, and an increase in local and national recognition.”
The name change also allowed MSSU to offer graduate programs, including the recently approved advanced degrees in healthcare administration and data analytics.
For 89 9 KRPS News, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro
