Proponents and opponents of changing the name of Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield to Missouri State get their say today before the State Senate Education Committee. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Norma Champion of Springfield, says the name change is essential for the school to gain the image it has worked hard to cultivate as a university with a statewide mission – not just a regional school. But Senator Chuck Graham of Columbia, home of the University of Missouri, says the name change would be a case of identity theft, because the University of Missouri owns the Missouri State name. Graham vows to fight the change. Champion promises to stand her ground as well. The Senate committee hearing the testimony takes no action, setting the stage for a fight later on.
