Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, USA

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) was established as Joplin Junior College held in the Joplin High School in 1937. The college was overseen by the University of Missouri's extension division and H.E. Blaine was appointed as its first dean. In 1965, legislation was passed forming the four-year institution called Missouri Southern College. The college became Missouri Southern State College in 1972. It was granted the status of a university and received its current name in 2003. Currently, the university holds the accreditation of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Missouri Southern State University is ranked 55-70 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges among Regional Colleges Midwest by US News and World Report 2020.

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The new 320-acre campus was opened under the supervision of the first president Dr. Leon C. Billingsly in 1967. The University is within minutes from some of the greatest scenery and waterways in the nation located in Joplin, Missouri, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Reynolds Hall houses the departments of chemical and physical sciences, biology, and environmental health and mathematics. Hearnes Hall is the main administrative building. The Fine Arts Building is home to art and music departments and the Spiva Gallery. Other important buildings include Billingsly Student Centre, Kuhn Hall, Ummel Technology Centre, Mills Anderson Justice Centre, and Julio S. Leon Health Sciences Centre. The most popular majors at Missouri Southern State University include Business/Commerce, Health Professions, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration; and Elementary Education and Teaching.  

Accomplishments & Alumni 

MSSU has partnered with a number of universities from China, South Korea, Japan, Ukraine, Germany, Sweden, and France to make its academic presence stronger across the world. MSSU has a number of notable and successful alumni. Prominent alumni include NFL Players Allen Barbre and Richard Jordan, Coach Bob Beatty, Actor Lonny Chapman, Astronaut Janet L. Kavandi, State Senator Gary Nodler to name a few. 

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

Missouri Southern State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,851, with a gender distribution of 38 percent male students and 62 percent female students.  It houses many international students from across the globe and a team of distinguished and highly qualified faculty members. Though 76% of students come from Missouri, a modest 200 international students from 27 countries also pursue their dream career at the institution. Companies coming for recruitment and internships include Wiley Education Services, Noah's Ark Preschool, Broken Arrow and many more.