play in NCAA Division II as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. MSSU fields seven men's and seven women's sports. The program has had over 250 All-Americans in its history after starting off as a member of the NAIA and in 1989 joining the NCAA. The program was a member of the Central States Intercollegiate Conference while a member of the NAIA. Notable alumni Allen Barbre, professional football player. Bob Beatty, high school football coach. Lonny Chapman, actor. Richard Jordan, professional football player. Terry Joyce, professional football player. Janet L. Kavandi, NASA astronaut. Roderick C. Meredith, evangelist. Gary Nodler, Missouri State Senator. J. Eddie Peck, actor. Ron Richard, Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives and President of the Missouri Senate. Rod Smith, professional football player. Jeff Speakman, martial artist and actor. James Thrash, professional football player. Dennis Weaver, actor. Brandon Williams, professional football player. Notes External links Missouri Southern Athletics website Buildings and structures in Joplin, Missouri Educational institutions established in 1937 Liberal arts colleges in Missouri 1937 establishments in Missouri Public universities and colleges in Missouri