On July 12, Missouri Southern celebrated 20 years since former Missouri Governor Bob Holden signed
Senate Bill 55, elevating the institution from college to university status.
“Reflecting on our history makes us all appreciate the impact MSSU has had on Joplin, Southwest Missouri, and beyond,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, president of MSSU. “We are all a part of something meaningful, and it makes a tremendous difference.”
Speakers included Dr. Van Galen, Holden, and former State Sen. Gary Nodler, who led the legislation through the Missouri Senate, which was signed on July 12, 2003. The signing was a culmination of many years work among Dr. Julio León, then Missouri Southern State College president, Nodler, and members of the local legislative delegation. Concurrent bills were sponsored in both the House and the Senate with Rep. Bryan Stevenson carrying the bill. Senate Bill 55 made it through both chambers and to Gov. Holden for signature.
“It was their collaboration and unwavering commitment which allowed for this pivotal moment of Missouri Southern history,” said Holden. “Gaining university status has propelled Missouri Southern to new heights of academic excellence, expanding opportunities, and increasing local and national recognition, positioning Missouri Southern as a key player in shaping the future of this region.”
“Reflecting on our history makes us all appreciate the impact MSSU has had on Joplin, Southwest Missouri, and beyond,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, president of MSSU. “We are all a part of something meaningful, and it makes a tremendous difference.”
Speakers included Dr. Van Galen, Holden, and former State Sen. Gary Nodler, who led the legislation through the Missouri Senate, which was signed on July 12, 2003. The signing was a culmination of many years work among Dr. Julio León, then Missouri Southern State College president, Nodler, and members of the local legislative delegation. Concurrent bills were sponsored in both the House and the Senate with Rep. Bryan Stevenson carrying the bill. Senate Bill 55 made it through both chambers and to Gov. Holden for signature.
“It was their collaboration and unwavering commitment which allowed for this pivotal moment of Missouri Southern history,” said Holden. “Gaining university status has propelled Missouri Southern to new heights of academic excellence, expanding opportunities, and increasing local and national recognition, positioning Missouri Southern as a key player in shaping the future of this region.”
In addition to changing the university’s name, Senate Bill 55 also allowed MSSU to offer graduate programs. In the 20 years since the signing, MSSU has created programs in fields such as business, education, and criminal justice. Graduate program selection continues to grow, with the most recent
additions being healthcare administration and data analytics as well as an MBA, accepting enrollment in Fall 2024.
Nodler reminisced on seeing the real-life effects of Senate Bill 55.
“I was asked to be the MSSU commencement speaker three years after the bill’s signing,” said Nodler. “MSSU’s first master’s degree graduates sat in the front row. Seeing them made me realize that Senate Bill 55 isn’t just politics but a real, transformative change for people who have better lives
because of it.”
additions being healthcare administration and data analytics as well as an MBA, accepting enrollment in Fall 2024.
Nodler reminisced on seeing the real-life effects of Senate Bill 55.
“I was asked to be the MSSU commencement speaker three years after the bill’s signing,” said Nodler. “MSSU’s first master’s degree graduates sat in the front row. Seeing them made me realize that Senate Bill 55 isn’t just politics but a real, transformative change for people who have better lives
because of it.”
