Missouri State University is a multi-campus university system serving a unique combination of urban and rural environments. The University is committed to the creation of a teaching and learning environment which maximizes the student’s opportunity to become an educated person.

The University functions through a three- campus system structured to address the needs of the metropolitan area it serves. The system includes a selective admissions campus in Springfield, a two-year open admissions campus at West Plains, and a research campus at Mountain Grove.

Missouri State University-West Plains specializes in providing quality education to students of all ages in the south-central Ozarks region of Missouri. For over 40 years, the college has grown to offer a liberal arts transfer curriculum at the freshman and sophomore levels, selected occupational and technical education programs, and a variety of continuing education courses. Enrollment is approximately 1,700 students per semester.

Missouri State Univesity-West Plains was founded in 1963 as the West Plains Residence Center. In 1977, the Southwest Missouri State University Board of Regents and, subsequently, the Missouri General Assembly, designated the name West Plains Campus of Southwest Missouri State University to replace Residence Center. In 1981, the legislature enacted a permanent status bill for the campus. In 1991, the legislature passed House Bill 51 which gave the West Plains Campus the authority to offer “one-year certificates, two- year associate degrees and credit and non-credit courses.” In 2005, the legislature passed Senate Bill 98 which included changing Southwest Missouri State University’s name to Missouri State University, effective August 28, 2005.

The campus consists of five classroom and administrative buildings—Kellett Hall, Looney Hall, Melton Hall, Lybyer Technology Center and the Respiratory Therapy building. In addition to the classroom and administrative buildings, the campus includes the Garnett Library, a 60-person residence hall called the Grizzly House, the Putnam Student Center, and the V.H. Drago College Store. Maintenance and custodial operations are located in the Broadway Building, and the Richards House serves as the residence for the Missouri State University-West Plains Chancellor.

Missouri State University-West Plains also offers courses at Houston and Mountain Grove, Missouri. The Associate of Arts degree in General Studies can be completed at the Mountain Grove Campus. The Missouri State University-West Plains program at Mountain Grove is housed in Shannon Hall, and the Missouri State University-West Plains program at Houston is housed in the Houston Higher Education Center.

Missouri State University-West Plains offers associate degrees, transfer programs, certificates, and training for immediate employment. Missouri State University-West Plains is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone: (312) 263-0456.

Missouri State University-West Plains also hosts bachelor’s and master’s degree programs provided by the Springfield Campus through both on-site offerings and distance learning technologies.