Missouri State University is a public, state-supported institution of higher learning in Springfield, Missouri. The university was called the Fourth District Normal School when it was founded in 1905 to educate teachers. The school changed its name to Southwest Missouri State Teachers College in 1919. The university became Southwest Missouri State University in 1972 after it expanded its programs and added a graduate school. It adopted its present name in 2005.
In addition to its main campus in Springfield, Missouri State offers courses in West Plains and Mountain Grove. Missouri State University-West Plains is a community college. Students can earn associate’s degrees in such areas as general studies, paralegal studies, and welding technology. The Research Campus at Mountain Grove is home to the State Fruit Experiment Station. This campus offers a number of general education courses and grants a master’s degree in fruit science.
Well-known graduates of Missouri State University include actors John Goodman and Kathleen Turner. The university’s athletic teams are called the Bears.
The university’s website at https://www.missouristate.edu/ offers additional information.
