A movement to change the university's name to Missouri State University has gained widespread support in the community.
However, many University of Missouri alumni and
supporters are strongly opposed to the change, and Missouri General Assembly representatives from the Columbia area continue to
block the legislation necessary to change the university's name.There is a heated controversy over whether the university should modify its nondiscrimination policy to include "sexual orientation" as an officially protected status. Current
university president Dr. John Keiser has firmly opposed the change, and the issue remains deeply divisive.On March 01, 2005 the bill to rename the university passed the Missouri Senate (25-7) and the Missouri House (120-35) with
only the Governor, who is from Springfield, left to sign into law. The signing will take place on March 17th, 2005 -- the
centennial anniversary of the university.