SMSU

Now that we've seen SMSU has changed it's name to Missouri State University, or MSU, it seems an appropriate to brush up on our facts about the large university located in Springfield, MO!

  • Missouri State University was founded in 1905 and was then known as the Fourth District Normal School. At this time the school was used mostly to prepare college students going into the field of education to become teachers.
  • The school's first name change came in 1919 when the school was renamed Southwest Missouri State Teachers College which reflected the school's main student demographic.
  • Another name change came in 1972 when the college's name was changed to simply Southwest Missouri State University.
  • The most recent name change, as mentioned above, took place in August of 2005 when SMSU was rechristened Missouri State University. This decision was somewhat controversial but the community and university students seem to have accepted the new name for the school in recent years.
  • The West Plains campus was established in 1963 and was the second SMSU campus established.
  • MSU is one of only 13 four year, public supported higher educational institutions in Missouri.
  • Did you know that there are eight different colleges within MSU and many more departments?
  • Interestingly enough, MSU has a few branches in China, for both American students abroad and those Chinese who wish to study at the institution.
  • The average ACT score for a student coming to MSU is 23.6. This is above both state and national averages.
  • There are nine residence halls at the main MSU campus in Springfield, MO.
  • Amazingly, there are over 250 student organizations at MSU. This includes Greek life, sports club, academic honors clubs, and much more!
  • Did you know that MSU has its own radio station? The Growl is an Internet radio station and can be accessed seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
  • The Springfield campus is a whopping 235 acres which is cared for by top horticulturists and landscapers.
  • The official MSU fight song is as follows: Uphold tradition, our school we hold so dear, We will be loyal throughout our college years, Fight for victory as we stand up and cheer, Let's hear it for the Bears! B-E-A-R-S, Bears, M-I-S-S-O-U-R-I State!
  • Did you know that actor John Goodman was a MSU alum? So are Kathleen Turner, a world class actress; Roy Blunt, politician; and Curtis Perry, a former player in the NBA.

These are only a few of the exciting facts about MSU. How many of them surprised you? Take a tour of Missouri State University and you'll hear much more interesting information about this historic university!