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Missouri State University is a public, 4-year institution located in Springfield, MO – in the southwest corner of the state. Founded in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School, it was chartered in 1906. In 1919 the name was changed to Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s College until 1945 when it was known as Southwest Missouri State College. The school obtained university status in 1973 and after much contention the school received its present name on March 17. 2005. The 225 acre campus features a “Historic Quad” with several centennial buildings and the Jane A. Meyer Carillon atop a 140′ tower which is the tallest carillon in the Midwest. Culturally, Springfield is considered the birthplace of US Route 66. Among the notable alumni are baseball player Ryan Howard, actor John Goodman and Senator Roy Blount.