By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – After decades of trying, Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield will soon get to change its name.
The Missouri House passed legislation on Tuesday that re-names the school as Missouri State University. It now heads to Governor Matt Blunt - a Springfield native - who supports the change.
Supporters said dropping the regional designation will help attract students from outside of the state. Opponents worried about the effect of funding on the University of Missouri system. A major hurdle came when the legislation was in the state Senate; an all night filibuster ended only after University of Missouri President Elson Floyd emailed a state Senator, telling him to stand down.
The legislation headed to the governor's desk also changes Harris-Stowe State College in St. Louis to Harris-Stowe State University.
The legislation is Senate Bill 98. If signed, it will take effect August 28th.