|
Missouri Southern News Bureau FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2002 Contact: Public Information (417) 625-9399 E-Mail: News Bureau Voice: (417) 625.9399 FAX: (417) 625.3142 |
JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - State Senator-elect Gary Nodler (R-Dist. 32) and Missouri Southern State College President Julio S. León announced the prefiling of two bills related to Missouri Southern State College during a news conference Friday, Nov. 29. The first bill would change the name of Missouri Southern State College to Missouri Southern State University - Joplin. "This is very important to all of us in this area and we're going to get this bill passed," Mr. Nodler stated. "Aside from the importance from an academic standpoint, this is important for the economic development and growth of the region," Mr. Nodler emphasized. It also would alter the residency requirement to serve on the College's Board of Regents. Currently, the old Junior College district is the geographic limit for service on this board. Under the proposed legislation, Regents could be appointed from anywhere in Missouri within a 60-mile radius of the College. "This constitutes a more realistic area served by the College," Mr. Nodler noted. The second bill to be introduced would give Missouri Southern the authority to create three master's degree programs, a master's degree in accounting, a master of science in business (MSB) and a master of arts in teaching (MAT). Mr. Nodler said identical legislation is being introduced in the House. Other Southwest Missouri legislators also expressed support for both measures. Newly elected Missouri House members Ron Richard (R-129th) and Larry Taylor (R-68th) were on hand to support both proposals. Written statements in support of the legislation were presented from Representative Bryan Stevenson (R-128th) and sitting House member Steve Hunter (R-127th). Board of Regents President, Glenn Wilson, and Vice President, Charles McGinty, expressed strong support for both measures. The bills will be considered in the next legislative session, which opens Jan. 8, 2003. |
News Bureau Home
