1955: Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science changed its name to Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied Science after lobbying for university status. The institution argued its diverse programs and ability to grant four-year degrees qualified it as a university, though Michigan law lacked a specific definition of "university." Despite opposition from the University of Michigan, a bill enabling the name change was passed by the state Senate in April 1955 with overwhelming support. The name was further simplified to Michigan State University in 1964.