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Lawmakers consider removing University of Missouri’s exclusive right to certain degrees

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missouriindependent.com – Annelise Hanshaw – 2025-03-11 13:02:00

Lawmakers consider removing University of Missouri’s exclusive right to certain degrees

by Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent
March 11, 2025

A Missouri Senate committee is considering legislation that would remove the University of Missouri System’s exclusive rights to certain degree programs.

State law currently bars other public colleges from offering research doctorates and first-professional degrees, which includes areas like dentistry and veterinary medicine. Public universities also are only allowed to offer degrees in podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathic medicine and engineering if they have a partnership with the University of Missouri in those programs.

A bill sponsored by state Sen. Lincoln Hough, a Republican from Springfield, seeks to remove these restrictions.

“This is about keeping, retaining and building the workforce this state needs over the next few generations,” Hough told the Senate Education Committee Tuesday morning.

Those speaking in favor argued the the bill would have a positive effect on workforce development.

“Removing the statutory restrictions allows us to be responsive to the marketplace,” said Richard Williams, president of Missouri State University.

He said a recently enrolled student asked about doctoral programs for after she finishes her undergraduate studies. The university said she’d have to go elsewhere because it is illegal for them to offer that PhD program.

Williams couldn’t answer questions about which degrees the university would add if the bill passed. He spoke from prior experience, saying he would not anticipate adding a medical school to the roster.

Peter Herschend, a former member of the State Board of Education, said not offering certain degree programs statewide would push students out of state.

“Missouri needs to be more competitive, not less,” he said. “We need the spirit of private enterprise to drive our education system just as much as it drives our business.”

Opponents said there would be a cost to spreading out the programs.

Jim Spain, vice provost for undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri, said degree partnerships with the university have saved taxpayers “tens of millions of dollars.”

“The passage of this bill will require additional financial resources from the state or from the student,” he said.

The bill’s fiscal note estimates that there will be no impact on the state’s general revenue, but universities would sustain administrative costs when they add programs. State funding might be partially redirected from the University of Missouri System to other institutions, the fiscal analysis notes as a concern of the system.

Carson Howe, a University of Missouri St. Louis student and legislative director of the Associated Students of the University of Missouri, said he fears students would be the ones to cover new expenses.

“We’re paying for that either directly through our tuition being increased, or we’re paying for it indirectly through our programs being cut or watered down,” he said.

The committee did not take action on the bill Tuesday.

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Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.

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News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Chuck E. Cheese opens arcades ‘created for adults’ in Missouri, 7 other states

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fox2now.com – Michael Bartiromo – 2025-07-07 12:46:00

SUMMARY: Chuck’s Arcade, a new arcade chain from Chuck E. Cheese’s creators, targets older gamers and lifelong fans seeking classic games like “Ms. Pac Man” and “Mortal Kombat” in mall locations. Designed primarily for adults but welcoming all ages, these arcades mix vintage games such as “Donkey Kong” with modern racing simulators and VR experiences. Some locations, like Kansas City, offer pizza, while others do not. Animatronic characters from Chuck E. Cheese’s past appear as nostalgic decorations rather than performers. Chuck’s Arcade has opened in multiple U.S. cities, with more locations planned, including one soon in Brea, California.

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Weird news with Tim and Brittany!

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www.youtube.com – FOX 2 St. Louis – 2025-07-07 12:08:50

SUMMARY: A new TikTok trend suggests popping popcorn, then freezing it to make it crunchier, though it’s unclear if freezing actually improves the texture or taste. Meanwhile, Costco faces copyright claims for selling clothes resembling a popular athletic lifestyle brand’s pants and hoodies, sparking debate about authenticity and brand imitation. The hosts discuss nostalgic back-to-school NBA shoes, highlighting how brands evolve or get copied. One shared a personal story about nearly buying a $3,500 couch until a motherly intervention led to finding a similar $950 clearance bargain. Lastly, Amazon Prime Day sales are upcoming, promising more deals and surprises.

ST. LOUIS – Tim and Brittany share weird news of the week: Generation Yap!

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Joe's Blog: Rain chances percolate for some (MON-7/7)

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fox4kc.com – Joe Lauria – 2025-07-07 09:10:00

SUMMARY: Over the holiday weekend, devastating flash floods struck Texas, leaving over 50 dead and many missing, particularly near the Guadalupe River. The floods were fueled by tropical moisture from Tropical Storm Barry and were worsened by the region’s geography and drought-hardened soils. Despite timely National Weather Service warnings, communication challenges and false alarm fatigue complicated the response. Similar heavy rains impacted parts of the Carolinas as well. Locally, rain has been sparse, with isolated storms possible through the week but with uncertain coverage. Experts emphasize improving weather education, warning systems, infrastructure, and communication to prevent future tragedies and better protect vulnerable communities.

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