DALLAS (Standard&Poor's) Feb. 29, 2008--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A-' rating to Missouri Southern State University's $14.5 million auxiliary enterprise system improvement revenue bonds, series 2008. "The rating reflects the university's solid projected debt service coverage in the auxiliary system, as well its moderate pro forma debt burden of about 4.2% of 2007 expenses," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Bianca Gaytan-Burrell. "Missouri Southern also enjoys strong financial support from the state ('AAA/Stable'), which represented 38% of its 2007 operating revenues." Offsetting credit factors include very low liquidity for the rating category and negative operating performance on a full accrual basis in 2006 and 2007. The bond proceeds will finance the construction of a new student
