The Missouri Southern institution isn’t the only one receiving a name change.

In conjunction with Senate Bill 55, the Southern Board of Regents, as of Aug. 28, will be known as the Board of Governors.

“It’s a new name, but it’s still a reflection of the state-wide mission,” said University President Julio León.

Besides the name change, the Board will see an increase from six to seven members by the next legislative session. The Board has six now, however, since the Board and Southern are still in a transition from a college to a university. The state will allow its current status.

“The university won’t notice a lot of the changes,” said Dr. Charles McGinty, president of the Board.

McGinty said although a seventh member is guaranteed by the next legislative session in January, a new member could be added in a couple months.

“It’s up to the state legislature,” McGinty said.

According to Bill 55, people appointed to the Board of Governors must be residents of Missouri and must live within a 60-mile radius of the district in which the University is located.

McGinty said although the Board is undergoing a few changes, its main focus is still Missouri Southern.

“The school has always had fantastic people serving,” he said. “They all have had Missouri Southern at heart.”

Missouri Western State College is undergoing similar Board changes. The only difference, however, is that the school must find its board members within its district.

While Southern continues its transition, McGinty said the Board will now have more of a statewide mission.

“Before it was a regional mission,” McGinty said.

McGinty said with the name change, the Board and University will have a better opportunity to fulfill its statewide mission.

“Eventually, we will have a greater impact around the state,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to the new challenges.”