Central Missouri is taking slowly to its new name

Students and faculty at the University of Central Missouri are still getting used to their school’s new name.

On Sept. 20, the board of governors at Central Missouri State University changed the name to the University of Central Missouri. The university is in Warrensburg, about 30 miles west of Sedalia. The decision followed a recommendation from a task force made up of faculty, legislators, alumni and representatives from community interest groups.

Presiding over the vote was Columbia resident Larry Fick, the board’s new president. Fick, a UCM alumnus who works for MFA Oil, said the new name is a way to bring national attention to the university’s curriculum, technological advances and international exchange program.

He said the university’s goals include attracting more international students and spreading information about its safety management program, in which students learn to develop safety features and practices for major employers worldwide.

Missouri State University paved the way for UCM’s change by petitioning the state legislature for permission to change its name from Southwest Missouri State University. MSU got that permission in a bill last year that also authorized the change for Central Missouri.

John Smead, a professor of communication at UCM, said he supported the change.

“It would be nice to get some recognition for some great things that we are already doing,” he said.

Some students said they supported the name change but had some reservations. Sophomore Kyle Forrest said the new name will take some getting used to and fears that costs involved with changing everything on campus to display the university’s new name may be passed along to students.

Freshman Anthony Stevens said that the new name may make the university seem bigger and more legitimate and could help boost enrollment. However, he said he would have liked the student body to play a more active role in the decision.

“I would have liked to see more advertisements saying that there was a vote, or how we could get involved in deciding to change the name or not.”

James Staab, who helped chair the naming task force, said the student government association was involved in the decision-making process.

“I think there is always a difference of opinion among faculty and students, but the student government association voted unanimously supporting the name change,” he said.