Missouri State University facts for kids
 |
|
|
Former names
|
Fourth District Normal School (1905–1919) Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (1919–1945) Southwest Missouri State College (1945–1972) Southwest Missouri State University (1972–2005) |
|---|---|
| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1905 |
|
Academic affiliation
|
CUMU |
| Endowment | $193 million |
| President | Richard "Biff" Williams |
| Provost | John Jasinski |
|
Academic staff
|
1,124 |
|
Administrative staff
|
1,350 |
| Students | 23,418 |
| Location |
,
,
United States
37°11′59″N 93°16′51″W / 37.19971°N 93.28079°W |
| Campus | Urban, 225 acres (91.1 ha) |
| Colors | Maroon and White |
| Nicknames | Bears and Lady Bears (women's basketball only) |
|
Sporting affiliations
|
NCAA Division I – Conference USA |
| Mascot | Boomer Bear |
 |
|
Missouri State University (MSU or MO State) is a large public university in Springfield, Missouri, United States. It was started in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School. Today, it is the second-largest university in Missouri by the number of students. In the fall of 2023, 23,418 students attended MSU. The university also has a two-year campus in West Plains, Missouri and a business program in China. It even has a fruit research station and a special program for defense studies in Virginia.
Contents
History of Missouri State
Missouri State University began on March 17, 1905. It was first called the Fourth District Normal School. Like other "normal schools" back then, its main goal was to train teachers for public schools.
Classes started on June 11, 1906, with 543 students. The first main building was Academic Hall, finished in 1909. This building is now called Carrington Hall. It is named after William T. Carrington, the first president. Today, it is the main office for the university.
In 1919, the school changed its name to Southwest Missouri State Teacher's College. This showed its focus on the region and teaching. Over time, the college added more subjects like liberal arts and sciences. So, in 1945, it became Southwest Missouri State College. More students joined in the 1950s and 1960s, leading to new dorms and more advanced studies. In 1972, it changed its name again to Southwest Missouri State University. By 1973, over 10,000 students were enrolled.
By 1985, SMSU was the second-largest public university in Missouri. Leaders wanted to change the name to Missouri State University. This idea faced some challenges. In 1990, over 20,000 students were attending. The state government also gave the university a special mission in Public Affairs in 1995.
In 2004, with new support, the name change idea came up again. The University of Missouri System was against it. They worried about similar programs and competition for students. But in 2005, a deal was made. Missouri State University would not offer certain programs that the University of Missouri already had. The bill to change the name passed in the Missouri Senate and House. Governor Matt Blunt signed it into law on March 17, 2005. This was exactly 100 years after the university was founded.
In 2011, a program for Chinese students came into question. This was about how fees were handled. University officials explained that the program helped Missouri State grow without spending a lot on recruiting overseas. The program had 370 students since 2007.
The song "The Scotsman" became the university's fight song in the 1960s. It is sung after every home football touchdown. The school's colors, maroon and white, and the Bear mascot were chosen in 1906. The Bear was picked because of the design on Missouri's state seal.
University Presidents
Here are the leaders of the university over the years:
- William Thomas Carrington, 1906–1918
- Clyde Milton Hill, 1918–1926
- Roy Ellis, 1926–1961
- Leland Eldridge Traywick, 1961–1964
- Arthur Lee Mallory, 1964–1971
- Duane G. Meyer, 1971–1983
- Marshal Gordon, 1983–1992
- Russell Keeling (interim), 1992–1993
- John Keiser, 1994–2005
- Michael T. Nietzel, 2005–2010
- James E. Cofer, 2010–2011
- Clifton M. "Clif" Smart III, 2011–2024
- Richard "Biff" Williams, 2024-present
Academics and Learning
Missouri State University is known as a "Doctoral University." This means it offers advanced degrees, including doctorates.
Academic Colleges
The university has several colleges and schools where students can study:
- Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- College of Business
- College of Education
- McQueary College of Health and Human Services
- College of Natural and Applied Sciences
- Missouri State Outreach
- Missouri State Online
- William H. Darr College of Agriculture
- Graduate School
MSU offers more than 150 different majors for undergraduate students. It also has over 45 graduate programs. In 2022, the university gave out 4,404 degrees. Most full-time teachers have the highest degree in their field.
International Business Program
In 2000, Missouri State University partnered with Liaoning Normal University in China. They created the LNU-MSU College of International Business. This college offers degrees in General Studies and General Business. It is approved by both universities and accredited by major organizations. Students from many countries study there.
Public Affairs Mission
Since 1995, Missouri State University has had a special mission in Public Affairs. This mission focuses on three main ideas:
- Ethical Leadership: Helping students learn to be good leaders and make ethical choices.
- Cultural Competence: Teaching students to understand and respect different cultures and viewpoints.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging students to use their knowledge to help their communities and society.
The university holds a yearly Public Affairs Conference. It brings together speakers and experts to discuss these important topics.
Campus Life and Buildings
Missouri State University's main campus has over 40 buildings. It covers 225 acres in central Springfield.
The "Historic Quadrangle" faces National Avenue. It includes old buildings like Carrington Hall (1908), Hill Hall (1923), and Siceluff Hall (1927). Other important buildings are also nearby.
The Duane G. Meyer Library is in the center of campus. It was built in 1980 and named after a former president. The library has over 877,000 books and many online resources. It was updated in 2002. A special musical instrument called the Jane A. Meyer Carillon was added then. In front of the library is the John Q. Hammons Fountain.
.jpg)
The College of Business is in David D. Glass Hall. This large building is named after MSU alumnus and former Wal-Mart CEO David Glass. It was renovated in 2016 to provide more space.
Other academic buildings include Blunt Hall, Kemper Hall, and Strong Hall. The north side of campus has student dorms and recreation areas. Greenwood Laboratory School, a K-12 school, is also located here.
Jane A. Meyer Carillon
The Jane A. Meyer Carillon is a large musical instrument. It is located near the Meyer Library. It was dedicated on April 13, 2002. The carillon has 48 bronze bells that weigh a total of 32,000 pounds. The largest bell alone weighs almost three tons! Ken and Jane Meyer, who supported the arts, provided money for the bells and tower. The carillon plays a tune every 15 minutes. The music department also holds special concerts throughout the year.
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Juanita K. Hammons Hall is a large theater with 2,220 seats. It is used for music, dance, and theater performances by the university. It is also home to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Many national touring shows and famous performers come here. The hall has great facilities, including dressing rooms, a large lobby, and a parking garage.
Athletic Facilities
The Robert W. Plaster Sports Complex is southeast of the library. It was first built in 1930. It is now a modern football stadium. It was updated in the 1980s and again in 2014. The playing field was moved closer to the stands for a better fan experience. McDonald Arena, built in 1940, was once the main indoor arena. Now, the 11,000-seat Great Southern Bank Arena (formerly JQH Arena), built in 2008, is the main indoor sports venue.
Campus Housing
The main campus has nine residence halls and two apartment buildings for students.
Kentwood Hall was once a fancy hotel built in 1926. Famous guests like President Harry S. Truman stayed there. Missouri State University bought it in 1984. It can house up to 101 students.
All dorms have computer labs, laundry rooms, kitchens, and study areas. Students get free laundry, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour help. Some floors are "Living-learning Communities" with special themes. All residential areas are smoke and tobacco free.
Robert W. Plaster Student Union
The four-story Robert W. Plaster Student Union (PSU) is a busy place for students. It is in the center of campus. Students can eat, socialize, study, shop, and watch movies here. It has many restaurants like Chick-Fil-A, Freddy's, Subway, Panda Express, and Starbucks. There is also a convenience store, copy shop, clothing store, and an e-sports center. Many university offices and student organizations are located in the PSU. The "Bear Paw" is an outdoor plaza in front of the PSU. It is used for concerts, rallies, and other public events.
Recreation and Fun
MSU has an active intramural sports program. Students can play basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, and many other sports. There are two large fields with artificial turf and lights. The Fitness and Wellness Program offers group classes like Pilates and Yoga. The Outdoor Adventures program lets students rent equipment for rock climbing, camping, canoeing, and kayaking in the nearby Ozarks.
In 2012, the 100,000 square foot Bill R. Foster and Family Recreation Center opened. It provides a great place for students to stay active.
Fairfax, Virginia Campus
MSU also has a campus in Fairfax, Virginia. This campus is home to the School of Defense and Strategic Studies. It works closely with the U.S. government. Students can get master's degrees and doctorates here. They can also apply for internships related to national security.
Student Life and Activities
There are over 300 student organizations at Missouri State. These groups are for different interests, like academics, Greek life, religion, service, social activities, and sports.
Music and Bands
The Pride Marching Band is the official marching band of Missouri State University. It has 300 student musicians. The band plays at all home football games. They have performed in famous parades like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. They have also played at professional football stadiums.
The university's chorale group performed at the presidential inauguration in 2017.
Student News
The Standard is the university's student-run newspaper. It provides news about the campus and Springfield online. It also prints several editions each semester. Students create and edit all the content.
"Ozarks News Journal" is a TV news show made by broadcast journalism students. It airs weekly on local cable TV.
Radio and Television
"KSMU" 91.1 FM is the university's public radio station. It broadcasts National Public Radio content, local news, and classical music. The station has won many awards for its reporting.
MSU also operates Ozarks Public Television, which provides PBS programming. This includes educational TV services to many homes in Southwest Missouri. The main station is KOZK, and a sister station, KOZJ, airs in Joplin, Missouri.
Athletics and Sports
Missouri State University has 17 NCAA Division I sports teams. These include men's and women's basketball, golf, soccer, swimming, and diving. They also have men's baseball and football, and women's beach volleyball, cross country, softball, tennis, track, and volleyball. The teams are called the Bears. Their colors are maroon and white. The Missouri State Bears are part of Conference USA.
MSU teams have been to 52 NCAA championships since 1982. The men's basketball team reached the "Sweet Sixteen" in 1999. The women's basketball team made it to the "Final Four" in 1992 and 2001. The baseball team went to the College World Series in 2003. In 1974, the women's softball team won a national championship.
Club Sports
Missouri State University also has several club sports teams. The MSU Handball team has won many championships.
In 2001, Missouri State started a club Ice Hockey team called the Missouri State University Ice Bears Hockey. They compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). In 2014 and 2015, the Ice Bears made it to the ACHA National Championship Tournament. Their home games are played at Mediacom Ice Park.
Other club sports include bowling, pistol shooting, rodeo, roller hockey, water skiing, wrestling, and men's and women's club soccer.
Famous Alumni
