SS#2 SCS SB 55 -- STATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

SPONSOR:  Nodler (Stevenson)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Education
by a vote of 19 to 2 with 2 present.

This substitute renames Missouri Southern State College as
Missouri Southern State University-Joplin, the renaming to be
accomplished without use of state funds.  The substitute also
designates Missouri Southern as a statewide institution of
international or global education and adds Missouri Southern to
those institutions which are charged with a statewide mission and
governed by a board of governors.

The Coordinating Board for Higher Education may promote
development of cooperative agreements between higher education
institutions to offer graduate degree programs on campuses which
do not otherwise offer graduate degrees.  Diplomas would include
the names of both institutions.  Missouri Southern will
discontinue, as of July 1, 2008, any associate degree programs
unless the continuation of the programs is approved by the
coordinating board.  The coordinating board's authority regarding
new program approval is not affected.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the name change is a reflection
of the natural growth and development that higher education
institutions undergo.  The change from college to university is
important in recruiting students from and establishing
relationships with institutions in other countries, where
"college" connotes secondary school.  The changes to how
cooperative graduate programs are handled will let the diplomas
more accurately reflect how the program is provided.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Nodler; Representatives
Stevenson and Richard; and Dr. Julio Leon, President of Missouri
Southern State College.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:13 am