The current construction of Blunt Hall on the Missouri State University campus is the first phase of the transformational plan for the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS). And now, the next step of the plan begins.  

CNAS has received approval for the second phase of the project: the establishment of the new Center for Transformational Education for Life, Physical and Health Sciences. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has provided a $4.9 million Financial Assistance Award to support the endeavor. 

“The project aims to provide additional state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories for CNAS,” said Mark Wheeler, university architect and director of planning, design and construction.  

A new Cheek Hall 

Substantial portions of MSU’s original STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and life-science facilities have remained mostly unaltered for decades. MSU’s enrollment in STEM fields has doubled in the last 50 years, and these facilities no longer meet modern scientific and technological needs for workforce training, education and research.   

For CNAS, the second phase of this project includes a transformative renovation of Cheek Hall. There are planned building improvements which include exterior envelope, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety systems. 

“The building renovation will have space for faculty, staff, graduate students, STEM majors and over 3,500 students passing through the building while taking science general education lectures and labs,” Wheeler said. 

Some of these renovations include: 

• Teaching and research labs. 
• Support spaces. 
• Offices. 
• Student study and collaboration areas. 
• Additional departmental offices and restrooms. 

Other spaces for student success and community partner offices are also included.   

Pre-construction services are currently underway. Renovation of the facility should be completed by November 2025. 

Learn more about Phase 2