SS SCS SB 98 -- STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

SPONSOR:  Champion (Marsh)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Higher
Education by a vote of 10 to 1.

This substitute changes the name of Southwest Missouri State
University to Missouri State University; drops "Joplin" from the
name of Missouri Southern State University-Joplin; and renames
Missouri Western State College and Harris-Stowe State College as
universities.  Central Missouri State University is permitted to
change its name to University of Central Missouri upon the
approval of its governing board if it acts before August 28,
2007.

Missouri State University is prohibited from seeking land grant
status or a research designation.  The name change does not
entitle the university to additional state funding.  Cooperative
programs in engineering and doctoral programs may be offered by
Missouri State in conjunction with the University of Missouri,
with the University of Missouri designated as the degree-granting
institution.  If the University of Missouri declines to cooperate
within a year of program approval, Missouri State may cooperate
with another institution or offer the degree directly.  Missouri
State University will not offer professional programs offered by
the University of Missouri but may offer doctorates in audiology
and physical therapy.  The Coordinating Board retains the right
of degree program approval.

In regard to Missouri Western State University, the substitute:

(1)  Places in statute its mission as a statewide institution of
applied learning;

(2)  Changes its service area to Buchanan County and counties
contiguous to Buchanan and aligns the selection of its governing
board members with the revised area; and

(3)  Requires discontinuing its associate degree programs by July
1, 2010, unless the Coordinating Board for Higher Education
approves their continuance.

The governing board of Missouri State University is increased
from seven to nine voting members and the board of Missouri
Southern State University is increased from seven to eight voting
members.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and
FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that Southwest Missouri State
University already has the profile of a state university, so the
name change would not represent a change so much as a
confirmation of its status.  Its recognition as a state
university is a necessary economic development tool for creating
business partnerships, attracting international students, and
eliciting grants.  Language added in the Senate is intended to
ensure the continued flagship status of the University of
Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Champion; John Keiser,
Southwest Missouri State University; Barbara Burns, Southwest
Missouri State University governing board; Chris Curtis,
Southwest Missouri State University student government
association; James Scanlon, Missouri Western State College;
Missouri Southern State University-Joplin; and Central Missouri
State University.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that despite assurances
to the contrary, state university status for Southwest Missouri
State University will lead to requests for additional funding at
a time when funding is scarce and a perception of diminished
status for all other state colleges and universities.  Even if no
additional funding is requested now, new programs appropriate to
a state university will require extra funding in the future.  The
University of Missouri has been known in the past as Missouri
State University; a name change infringes on its historic past.

Testifying against the bill were Representatives Pratt and
Johnson (47); Marissa Cabrera, Associated Students of the
University of Missouri; Greg Chase, University of Missouri
Legislative Information Network Committee; and James Sterling.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:21 pm