The proposal to make Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville the fifth school in the University of Missouri system has begun its journey through the Legislature with a hearing before a Senate committee. Rollie Stadlman, a member of the Board of Regents of Northwest Missouri State, tells Senators the merger is good for everyone involved. Legislative approval and the Governor’s signature are needed before this merger can take effect. The House has not yet scheduled a hearing on the proposal. Approval would see Northwest Missouri State absorbed into the University of Missouri system effective August 28th, 2005.