2008 Woodie Awards
University Gets New Name, Image
Daniel Barber/Muleskinner
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: Homecoming 2006
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Just as students were getting used to fall classes at CMSU, a change came -one that was two years in the making.- took getting used to as well.
On Sept. 20, the 34-year tradition of the University's name was history.
The University of Central Missouri became the new name, and a change to the University's image is certain to change with it.
In August, President Aaron Podolefsky quoted Mark Twain in the title of his State of the University Address.
In his speech "I'm all for Progress; It's Change I Can't Stand," Podolefsky spoke of change taking place throughout the course of a university's life. He decided a change was necessary to the University's vision. It is a vision that calls for Central Missouri to be "nationally recognized" as a school that delivers a "world class" university education.
Most importantly, the president noted a name change was a possibility for the University and that additional transformational changes would follow. The name change is one the University has experienced three times before in its 135-year history. But it is a change that reflects Podolefsky's view that the University has a sense of optimism and a desire to move forward.
On a Sunday in late August, 1972, 100 years after Normal School District No. 2, was founded in Warrensburg, the school's name was changed for the third time in its history to Central Missouri State University. At that time, it was the most significant name change to the University. In 1919, following World War I, the school became Central Missouri State Teachers College. It was a necessary move for the growing regional school. After World War II, in 1946, the University again changed its name by dropping "teachers." It was a move meant to shift the educational direction of the school, a direction affected by a student's ability to choose from a wide range of majors.
Twenty-six years later, near the end of the Vietnam War, Central Missouri gained university status. It was a move that took a coalition of five state colleges to urge the Missouri governor to sign legislation that would allow for the name changes. It was a move for the future that would allow growth, creating a new image for Central, and increasing the amount of prestige a student would receive upon graduation from the University.
On Sept. 20, the 34-year tradition of the University's name was history.
The University of Central Missouri became the new name, and a change to the University's image is certain to change with it.
In August, President Aaron Podolefsky quoted Mark Twain in the title of his State of the University Address.
In his speech "I'm all for Progress; It's Change I Can't Stand," Podolefsky spoke of change taking place throughout the course of a university's life. He decided a change was necessary to the University's vision. It is a vision that calls for Central Missouri to be "nationally recognized" as a school that delivers a "world class" university education.
Most importantly, the president noted a name change was a possibility for the University and that additional transformational changes would follow. The name change is one the University has experienced three times before in its 135-year history. But it is a change that reflects Podolefsky's view that the University has a sense of optimism and a desire to move forward.
On a Sunday in late August, 1972, 100 years after Normal School District No. 2, was founded in Warrensburg, the school's name was changed for the third time in its history to Central Missouri State University. At that time, it was the most significant name change to the University. In 1919, following World War I, the school became Central Missouri State Teachers College. It was a necessary move for the growing regional school. After World War II, in 1946, the University again changed its name by dropping "teachers." It was a move meant to shift the educational direction of the school, a direction affected by a student's ability to choose from a wide range of majors.
Twenty-six years later, near the end of the Vietnam War, Central Missouri gained university status. It was a move that took a coalition of five state colleges to urge the Missouri governor to sign legislation that would allow for the name changes. It was a move for the future that would allow growth, creating a new image for Central, and increasing the amount of prestige a student would receive upon graduation from the University.
Be the first to comment on this story