Becoming Missouri State

Missouri State University was known as Southwest Missouri State until 2005. The Bears fought for the name Missouri State for 25 years, overcoming fierce opposition from the University of Missouri and Columbia legislators.

Becoming Missouri State, the first book on the name change, features conversations with those who made it happen. This includes former MSU vice presidents Paul Kincaid and Jim Baker, former Missouri governor Matt Blunt and his chief of staff Ken McClure, and former state senator for Springfield Norma Champion. The book also features an interview with Ken Jacob, the Columbia legislator who filibustered for days against — and fought for years against — Southwest’s bid to become Missouri State.

This is a can’t-miss story of bitterness, rivalry, money, prestige, triumph, and transformation.

Author: G.S. Griffin