MSSU Becomes First in Missouri to Encompass Health and Life Sciences, Immersive Learning Experiences, and Global Education in Expanded Statewide Mission

JOPLIN, Mo., Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of a historic milestone, Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) in Joplin, Missouri, hosted a campus celebration on September 5, 2025, for the formal expansion of its statewide mission in higher education.

The event followed Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe's approval on July 9, 2025, of Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 (SCR3) and Senate Bill 150 (SB150), officially designating MSSU as a statewide leader in health and life sciences, immersive learning experiences, and international education.

The gubernatorial signing of SCR3 and SB150 finalized MSSU's unique designation, making it the only public university in the state with a mission focused on this specific combination of these three academic elements.

The legislation marked a transformative moment in the university's history, building upon its established reputation in international education, which has been a core part of its mission since 1995.

"This legislation establishes Missouri Southern as the only institution among the 13 four-year public universities in Missouri to have any of these three elements in its statewide mission," said Dean Van Galen, PhD, president of MSSU. "Building on the statewide recognition of excellence, Missouri Southern will ensure that all students benefit from the transformational experience embodied in our new designation in the State of Missouri."

The celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, and state officials to recognize the university's strengthened role in shaping the future of Missouri's healthcare, workforce, and global interconnections. Interactive displays showcased each pillar of the institutions' statewide mission, with a special focus on the construction of the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center, which is set to be completed in the summer of 2026. The center will be home to a simulation hospital, new cadaver lab, state-of-the-art laboratories, and the latest healthcare technologies, offering students an unparalleled environment for hands-on learning and training.

MSSU first submitted its proposal to expand the mission to the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) in 2023. It was unanimously approved by the CBHE in September 2023, with legislative efforts beginning in early 2024. Senator Jill Cater, Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, Rep. Ann Kelley, Rep. Dirk Deaton, Rep. Bob Bromley, Rep. Lane Roberts, Rep. Mitch Boggs, and the CBHE were all recognized during the celebration for their championship of the expansion.

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SOURCE Missouri Southern State University