MSSU Historical Highlights

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In Pursuit of Excellence
A History

January 18, 2008

The Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors announced that Dr. Bruce W. Speck, Ph.D., was selected as the fourth President of Missouri Southern State University. The announcement was made by Chairman of the MSSU Board of Governors, Mr. Dwight Douglas, at a news conference on campus. Mr. Douglas also chaired the 15-member Search Committee. Dr. Speck previously served as Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Clarksville, Tenn., one of six universities in the Tennessee Board of Regents System. From 2001-2005, Dr. Speck served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and tenured Professor of English at APSU. Mr. Douglas said Dr. Speck was chosen with the unanimous approval of the Board of Governors and the Search Committee as well as a vote of confidence from the MSSU Faculty Senate.

August 17, 2007

The Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors named Dr. Terri Agee as Acting President of MSSU. Dr. Agee served as Vice President for Business Affairs for six years, and was Director of Human Resources for nine years. Prior to coming to Missouri Southern she worked at Leggett & Platt, Inc. in Carthage, where she specialized in labor and employment law.

August 17, 2007

After serving 25 years as only the third President of Missouri Southern State University, Julio S. León announced his retirement Friday, Aug. 17, 2007 during the fall Faculty Conference in Webster Hall Auditorium.

January 19 , 2007

University President, Dr. Julio León, announced during a Board of Governors meeting that the University had successfully completed a land transaction that increased the size of the Univesity's campus by 8.2 acres. The University closed the transaction in December 2006 to purchase 4.6 acres at 704 North VanHoorebeke Drive, which included a 2,600 sq. ft., 4-bedroom home with outbuildings that were to be moved. Another 3.6 acres included all of Travis Acres, except for two lots, in the northeast corner of Newman Rd. and VanHoorebeke Dr. After this transaction, the University campus covered 373.2 acres of land.

May 20 , 2006

The 46th Commencement at Missouri Southern State University was especially historic with the University's first group of Master’s Degree students receiving diplomas. Six students received Master’s degrees in Teaching as a part of Missouri Southern’s Cooperative Graduate Program with Northwest Missouri State University.

July 12, 2003:

Governor Bob Holden signed a bill on the Missouri Southern campus that elevated the status of the institution from College to University. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Gary Nodler (R-Joplin) and Rep. Bryan Stevenson (R-Joplin), changed the name of the institution from Missouri Southern State College to Missouri Southern State University - Joplin. The legislation officially became effective on Aug. 28, 2003.

April 2003

As a result of generous contributions of more than $800,000 from the community, Missouri Southern's effort to replace the artificial football playing surface and the running track at Fred G. Hughes Stadium became a reality in April 2003. The support allowed the University to make lighting improvements as well. In late March, the Board of Regents approved awarding the contract to Sprinturf for the replacement of the artificial turf. In April, the Board then approved awarding a contract to Beynon Sports Surfaces for a new track. Sprinturf installs an artificial surface with a ground rubber infill and has its product currently in use on football playing surfaces at the University of Montana and at Youngstown State University (Ohio), among several others. Beynon, which will install a full-pore track surface, similar to ones the company has installed at the University of North Carolina, the University of Tulsa, and James Madison University. Plus, Missouri Southern's indoor track in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is a Beynon product.

September 11, 2002:

A September 11 memorial service and dedication of a memorial "Flag of Freedom" plaza was held at Missouri Southern on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002. The memorial service took place in Taylor Performing Arts Center with area veterans, firefighters, police officers and community representatives in attendance. Following the service, a dedication of a "Flag of Freedom" took place on the campus oval near Billingsly Student Center. A donor, who wished to remain anonymous, funded construction of the memorial plaza that features a 20-foot by 38-foot American flag raised on a 100-foot pole. The words "Flag of Freedom Memorial" and "Dedicated September 11, 2002" in 3-inch brass lettering are embedded in textured decorative concrete. The flag (pictured at the top of this page at the time it was dedicated) is visible for miles as it waves from the highest point on the University's campus. Offering a stunning night image, the memorial is illuminated in the evening hours with 1000-watt lights on 12-foot poles.

September 1996:

A major expansion of the Mills Anderson Justice Center begins. The $4.5 million project will provide a 300-seat auditorium, an expanded crime lab facility, offices, classrooms, a modern firing range, a multi-purpose room and a lower level classroom that will allow access for training with police vehicles and ambulances. R.E. Smith Construction Co., Joplin, served as the contractor for the project.

Summer 1995:

Construction of a Student Life Center was completed .The $1.4 million center provides a computer lab, laundry facilities, vending machines, aerobic workout room, weight room and a large-screen television lounge for all students, faculty and staff.

May 1995:

Governor Mel Carnahan signed legislation that authorized Missouri Southern State College to establish international education as a distinctive theme of its mission. The bill (HB 442) also established Missouri Southern as a moderately selective institution for admission standards and authorized the College to offer a master's degree program in accountancy.

August 1992:

Richard M. Webster Communications and Social Science Building opened. The $7.5 million, three-story building houses a state-of-the-art communications center, a 420-seat recital hall/auditorium and classrooms and offices.

June 1990:

The Board of Regents approved a recommendation to pursue an international approach to undergraduate education. To be implemented over the next few years, various programs and activites will be introduced to internationalize the College.

December 1982:

Dr. Julio Leon becomes President of MSSC after serving as interim President during a national search.

July 1979:

Dr. Donald C. Darnton assumes the Presidency of MSSC following the death of Leon C. Billingsly.

July 1977:

Missouri Southern State College became a state assisted four-year college and part of the State of Missouri's higher education system.

November 1973:

A $1 million general obligation bond issue was approved to help with the construction of new 2,000 seat Performing Arts Center and to renovate and refurbish other areas of the campus.

June 1969:

The first class of 198 baccalaureate degree candidates graduated.

1967:

Leon C. Billingsly became the first President of Missouri Southern State College.

Fall 1967:

The new 320-acre campus, with five new buildings and an extended Mansion House, opened to 2,399 students and 95 faculty members.

July 1965:

House Bill No. 210 was signed by Governor Warren E. Hearnes in ceremonies held in Joplin. The bill established a state college offering third and fourth year courses leading to a baccalaureate degree.

October 1964:

Residents of Jasper County pledge over $300,000 toward the purchase of the Mission Hills farm and a building fund for the new campus.

April 1964:

Voters created the Junior College District of Jasper County, ending the junior college's 27 years as part of the Joplin Public School System. Voters also approved, by a margin of 8 to 1, a $2.5 million bond issue for the construction of a new campus.

1937:

Joplin Junior College opened with 114 students and nine faculty members. Classes under the supervision of the Extension Division of the University of Missouri and held in the Joplin HighSchool.

1937:

The College's first Dean was H.E. Blaine. He served in the post until 1947.