Although we’ve come a long way, we can’t forget where we came from.

Since what has now became Missouri Southern opened its doors in 1937, the University has undergone several changes.

It started with a mere 114 students and only nine staff members and has flourished in the last 40 years to become a University with more than 5,000 students enrolled.

In fact, this isn’t even the original location of Joplin Junior College. It wasn’t until the fall of 1967 that the College moved to this 320-acre location, with its five new buildings and extended Mission Hills Mansion house. Making the Mansion the only original building on campus.

Which is why Missouri Southern is currently restoring the Mansion to its 1940s appearance instead of removing the building to make room for a newer one.

This is to remind us of our roots. Though we have grown significantly since then, we can’t forget how it all started.

Though many of the repairs will result in a slightly new style for construction purposes, the restorers will try to give the building a look as close as possible to the original. A lot has changed in the last 75 years and not all shapes and sizes are easy to find when it comes to an original window frame.

But the appearance will hold as much of its original luster as possible. And one thing is for sure, it will still stand out when compared to the other buildings on campus.

Giving us that historical integrity Southern is striving for.