I don't know about south siders and kc/stl people but I grew up nearby and it was popular with central grads from my era. And now with their kids. Drury and CHS have some ties because of their proximity. Can't speak to their academics personally but my Rolla roommate did his pre engineering there and he was well prepared. They have a great radio station.

Not sure what you mean by on an island but they were always just part of the neighborhood.