Missouri State University

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Former Better Business Bureau president and chief executive officer James “Jim” Craig passed away on Friday at age 89. Craig headed the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri for 35 years, completely turning the organization around and helping foster an ethical marketplace for business and consumers. “He will be greatly missed but leaves behind a lifetime of knowledge and compassion,” said current President and CEO Judy Mills. Craig is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth, their two children, five grandchildren and their wives as well as nine great-grandchildren.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Gardening is a popular spring and summer pastime. Since the sustainability movement has heightened public awareness of organic foods and sustainable practices, gardening has also grown in popularity. One garden staple is the tomato, and Dr. Clydette Alsup-Egbers, associate professor in the Darr School of Agriculture at Missouri State University, shows how to grow tomatoes upside down.  “When you're passionate about gardening, you can never have too much space, and this not only conserves space, it's relatively inexpensive and fun,” said Alsup-Egbers.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced decisions today (Aug. 18) concerning the athletics certification status of 28 member institutions. Missouri State University has been fully certified through successful completion and review of its Cycle 3 self-study. The certified designation denotes that Missouri State operates its athletics program in full compliance with the operating principles adopted by the Division I membership. "Anytime you get an endorsement of your program from one of your national governing agencies, it is an accomplishment worth noting," said Missouri State Interim President Clif Smart.  "We are very proud of the balance and integrity with which our intercollegiate athletics program operates.  As a University, we benefited from completing the self-study process, and we very much appreciate gaining full certification from the NCAA.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-- Following the State of the State Address delivered by Governor Nixon last week, we're learning how it's impacting Missouri State University.   The proposed 12.5% cut in state money will likely mean increased tuition costs for students.  It will also likely mean no raises for employees. "I think everyone wishes they could get raises, but the reality of the economy is what it is," says MSU Staff Senate Chair Michael Frizell. Employees did get a 2% salary increase January 1st, but Interim President Clif Smart told KY3 Tuesday it was his goal to give another 2% in July.  "We will have lost 25% of our state appropriations in the last three years," Smart says.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The department of theatre and dance at Missouri State University celebrates its 51st season of  Tent Theatre  with a summer lineup featuring two classic musicals and one comedy-drama. June 12-15 and 17-22 Lonely hearts are as parched as the Texas dustbowl in the musical  “110 in the Shade.”  Spinster Lizzie Curry finds herself in a love triangle with Sheriff File and charismatic con man Bill Starbuck. June 27-29 and July 1-6 Six Southern belles share happiness and heartbreak at a small-town beauty salon in the comedy-drama  “Steel Magnolias.” July 11-13 and 15-21 A diehard baseball fan makes a deal with the devil to win the pennant for his beloved home team in the musical comedy  “Damn Yankees.” All performances begin at 8 p.m. on the tent pad behind Craig Hall.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Think of it like this:  It's a city of nearly 20,000 people, and they're all packing up and moving out at the same time.  Each May, there is a two-week collection for charity at both Missouri State University and Drury University.  Without the program, campus streets would be piled high with mounds of unwanted stuff. Volunteers with The Kitchen, a Springfield-based charity, load up tens of thousands of pounds of food, clothes, rugs, and furniture MSU students no longer need two times daily.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-- A group of young ladies who work to blend their voices in perfect harmony is ready to debut a new recording. A Cub Bella, from Missouri State University, will be in concert on Saturday, May 11th at 7 pm at the Plaster Student Union Theatre. On that day, the group will celebrate its latest release "Ten Minutes Late. " A Cub Bella appeared on KY3 News at Noon with Steve Grant. The ladies sang "Breath of Life" by Florence and The Machine.  

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- It's been a long time coming, but the new Missouri State University Recreation Center is ready to open. KY3 got an exclusive sneak peak inside the facility. "As people come into this building, the thing I hear time after time is 'Wow.'" said MSU V.P. of Student Affairs  Earle Doman. It was nearly a year behind schedule. "People kept saying, 'why is it taking so long?' It's because the building is very, very complicated," said Missouri State University Campus Recreation Director Cynthia Barnett.

SPRINGFIELD --  Missouri State University will roll out a new security measure this week. Campus officials will replace the Zip Card system with the Bear Pass.  The new system will work as a meal ticket, debit card, and door key.       The Bear Pass uses a computer chip instead of a magnetic strip, which can do a better job protecting students' personal information.       Some 30,000 new cards will be handed out this week.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A man accused of killing another man near the campus of Missouri State University is due in court today. Joshua Brown is charged with murder in the case. Police say Brown shot and killed Javon Carter outside a home on Maryland Avenue near the MSU campus in May. Carter was taken to a Springfield hospital, where he later died.