Southern’s name stands trial
College President Julio León and Sen. Gary Nodler (R-Joplin) cited evidence Tuesday at a 5 p.m. hearing in Jefferson City supporting Senate Bill 55, which would change the name of Missouri Southern as well as the residency of its Board of Regents. Missouri Southern will be held at a university status if the bill is passed.
Time was not a luxury granted to advocates of the Missouri Southern name change bill Jan. 28.
Sen. Gary Nodler (R-Joplin) gave testimony at a 5 p.m. hearing on behalf of Senate Bill 55 that would change the name of the College and the residency of its Board of Regents. In front of members of the Senate Pensions and General Laws Committee, Nodler and College President Julio León cited reasons to change the name of Southern to Missouri Southern State University-Joplin.
One of the main reasons for the university status, Nodler said, is to put the College at a more competitive advantage with bordering out-of-state institutions such as Pittsburg State University.
“I think it [the name change] would be great,” said Mike Pittman, sophomore psychology major. “It means another step up, maturing from a college to a university.”
Michelle Klund, freshman teacher education major agreed.
“It looks better to graduate from a university as opposed to a college,” she said.
Bill 55 also states that a person appointed to the Board of Regents must reside within a 60-mile radius of the College. Currently, the members of the Board must live in the same district Southern lies in.
Despite the lack of floor time, supporters believe this is the first step in changing the name of the College.
“I was pleased that our bill was heard at this early stage in the session,” Nodler said. “Our case was made effectively, and we hope to get the bill moved to the floor.”
He said the committee only has a certain amount of slots when it comes to passing bills. Members have the option of moving bills to the floor, not moving them or combining bills.
Nodler said since there are three name change bills proposed to the committee, it is possible they all will be lumped together.
The other institutions seeking a name change are Southwest Missouri State University (to Missouri State University) and Missouri Western State College (to Missouri Western State University). He said this would make passing the bill “more problematic” since some institutions’ name changes are more opposed than others.
“You just have to present your case and let the political process take its course,” León said.
“It’s not a slam dunk, but we have a chance,” Nodler said.
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