History of the Campus

1963

  • July 5, Southwest Missouri State College (SMS) establishes Residence Center in West Plains. The Center opens September 16 with 111 students.

1965

  • North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (NCA) grants joint accreditation between SMS and Residence Center. 

1973

  • Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) Residence Center receives first state funding ($50,000 for operating expenses).

1977

  • Name changed to the West Plains Campus of SMSU (SMSU-WP)
  • Coordinating Board of Higher Education (CBHE) authorizes awarding of Associates of Arts Degree in General Studies.

1982

  • The State Board of Nursing and CBHE approve awarding of Associate of Science in Nursing.

1995

  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees established.
  • SMSU-WP Mountain Grove Extended Campus opens serving 60 students.

1998

  • SMSU begins offering bachelor's and master's degrees on the West Plains Campus

2005

  • With system name change from Southwest Missouri State University to Missouri State University campus changes to Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP).