Chapter 1: SMSU: A Mission-Focused Evolving Institution

Significant Changes Since 1995

The University has changed in many ways since the last North Central Association Site Team visit in 1995. The most over-riding change has been the development and implementation of its mission in Public Affairs. The additional significant changes and events listed below complement the University’s five themes affiliated with the public affairs mission (professional education, health, business and economic development, creative arts, and science and the environment) and demonstrate the shift in focus necessitated by new technology and decreasing state support for higher education. Many of these items have been drawn from “10-year Review of SMS” (1993-2003) and “17-month highlights” (2003-04), compiled by Paul Kincaid.

Institutional Changes & Events
  • The public affairs mission was implemented and refined.
  • Long-range planning and the publication of annual performance measures continued.
  • Centennial Celebration events were held throughout 2005. In particular, the Public Affairs Conference encouraged a sense of shared purpose between the faculty, staff, students, and the local community.
  • Legislation changing the institution’s name to Missouri State University provided official recognition of the institution’s evolution.
  • A decrease in state funding and an increase in endowment and sponsored research resulted in the institution becoming “state assisted” rather than “state supported.”
  • External grant funding for sponsored research increased from $4 million to $15.5 million.
  • The first comprehensive Capital Campaign by the SMSU Foundation was successfully completed in 2005, exceeding the goal of $50 million.
  • Dr. Michael T. Nietzel was named as the 9th President of SMSU and the first President of MSU.
Curricular, Academic & Technological Changes
  • SMSU moved from being an open admissions to a selective admissions institution, resulting in an increase in the six-year graduation rate.
  • As seen in Table 1.3, enrollment has increased in several areas since 1995.

Table 1.3: Headcount Enrollment 1995 vs. 2004 

  Fall 1995

Fall 2004
Total headcount enrollment 16,470 19,330
Degree-seeking undergraduates 13,776 14,616
Degree-seeking graduates 1,875 2,444
International students 322 495
Students from other states 891 1,127
Minority students 840 1,124
First-time freshmen 2,512 2,689
New transfers 791 1,180

Source:  Office of Enrollment Services. Enrollment data produced by this office include all students who have enrolled and made a required minimum payment of fees by the close of the fourth week of classes, including students enrolled for zero credit hours. Reports produced by Enrollment Services show a slightly higher enrollment (typically about one percent) than those produced by Institutional Research.

Results of a 2001 survey revealed that students were “more satisfied” in 68 of 73 items measured in the survey than other students at four-year institutions around the country.

  • The General Education program was restructured and tied to the Public affairs mission.
  • With the elimination of all Associate Degrees on the Springfield campus, a greater level of cooperation and articulation was instituted with nearby community and two-year colleges.
  • Significant growth occurred in graduate programs, especially in health-related areas.
  • Twenty-one graduate programs have been added, doubling the number from 1995.
  • Graduate Certificates have been initiated in ten areas.
  • Accelerated Master’s programs have been implemented, providing an efficient transition from undergraduate to graduate work for the best of students in eleven program areas.
  • The number of programs receiving external accreditation has significantly increased.
  • The international focus (Study Away programs) and presence of the university has been extended to include a China program.
  • The University has made significant dvances in technology support:
  • In 2001, the University contracted with Noel Levitz, a national enrollment management consulting firm, to conduct an extensive survey of student satisfaction. Results showed that SMSU students were more satisfied than students at four-year public colleges and universities nationally in 68 of the 73 items measured by the survey.
  • In 1996 the University implemented a Master Advisor Program that has earned national attention and awards. 
New Research Centers, Programs & Partnerships
New Facilities & Renovations


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