By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Re-naming Southwest Missouri State University once again slowed business in Jefferson City. On Tuesday, opponents stalled the name change measure in the state House for more than ten hours before a vote was held late Tuesday night.
Rep. Vicky Riback-Wilson, of Columbia, says changing SMS to just Missouri State University would be misleading.
The underlying name would suggest that it is a major research institution or it is the primary university of the state," she said on the House floor Tuesday. "Wishing doesn't make it so."
The name change still needs final approval in the House. A similar measure in the Senate last week caused a five-day filibuster. It also won initial approval, but Senators agreed to delay their final vote until the Legislature passes legislation that lets the University of Missouri sell bonds for capital improvements.
SMS, in Springfield, hopes the new name will attract more prestige and more money.