For 75 years from Joplin Junior College to Missouri Southern State College and now Missouri Southern State University, the school mascot has been a lion.
However, the lion has had many looks through the years — seven, to be exact.
The first logo appeared in 1943, seven years after the junior college was founded.
“We think the first four lions were drawn by students,” said Ron Mitchell, dean of students at MSSU who has been researching the logo as part of the 75th anniversary of MSSU.
None of the early lions reflect the ferocity associated with the king of the beasts, but that changed in 1971.
That 1971 lion was the first official school logo, Mitchell said, and it saw more widespread use on posters, advertisements, calendars and other materials.
That logo lasted until 1987 and the ’87 Lion was used for 20 years and is still a part of the university seal.
The current logo was used starting in 2007.
“The 2007 lion was designed at the request of the athletic department,” Mitchell said.
Since joining the MIAA in 1989, Missouri Southern was the only lion in the conference until this year when Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., joined the league.
Sports
October 2, 2012
MSSU's lion logo changes 7 times in 75 years
- High School Sports
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Lamar sweeps discus, leads Class 2 meet after first day
From left to right, Austin Boice, Sam Bailey and Ben Bailey.
- CHC's Beaver wins 1600 state title
- Jacob Lott takes over Southeast football
- Short selected as McDonald County coach
- Carthage optimistic for sectional track
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- Missouri Southern Sports
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Lions eliminated at regional
MSSU shortstop Thomas Wilson tags Central Missouri's Barrett Noirfalise on Friday.
- 'No one deserved to lose' Southern opener against Mavs
- Lions squeezed in 14-inning loss to Minnesota State
- Lions open regional play against top-seeded Minnesota State
- Lions qualify 12 for track nationals
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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Gorillas stay alive with 3-1 win over UCO
Matt Hicks/Special to The Globe Pittsburg State shortstop Evan Thomas turns a double play during an MIAA postseason tournament game Thursday.
- 7 Lions, 8 Gorillas names all-MIAA
- Lions qualify 12 for track nationals
- Western rebounds to end Pitt State's season
- PSU baseball prepares for another backyard battle
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Lamar sweeps discus, leads Class 2 meet after first day
From left to right, Austin Boice, Sam Bailey and Ben Bailey.
Lamar placed 1-2-3 in the discus and led the team standings after the first day of the boys’ Class 2 MSHSAA Track and Field Championships at Dwight Reed Stadium.
Continued ... - CHC's Beaver wins 1600 state title
- Wilson, four others, inducted to Joplin Area Hall of Fame
- Lions eliminated at regional
- 'No one deserved to lose' Southern opener against Mavs
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