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).
