The Glass Hall Renovation and Expansion project is currently moving full steam ahead.  We are thrilled to announce that, as a part of a capital bill, the State of Missouri legislature awarded $5 million in state matching funds to this project! This $5 million, in addition to the over $5 million already raised privately, means we are closing in on almost $11 million raised externally.

“There are no words for how grateful we are,” states Dr. Stephanie Bryant, Dean and David D. Glass Distinguished Leadership Chair.  “Countless business students will benefit from this project for years to come.”

Robert Gourley Student Success Center

The Robert Gourley Student Success Center expansion is taking shape.  Due to a milder than usual winter, progress is right on schedule.  The second and third floors have been framed and flooring structures have been poured.  The four-story open atrium is coming along and the outline of the new main entrance is becoming recognizable as well.

The south side of the mall directly adjacent to the building has been closed and equipment and construction trailers occupy that space.  John Q. Hammons Parkway closed in early spring to allow for a 200-foot yellow crane that can be seen from almost anywhere on campus.  Students, faculty and visitors have a great view of the progress on this space from several locations around campus.

Renovation of the existing space

Inside the existing space of Glass Hall, renovations are also right on schedule.  During the winter break restrooms on the second and fourth floors were completely remodeled.  The third-floor restrooms are currently being remodeled.  During the early spring, portions of the first floor, including the vending area, were closed to begin renovation of the space that will house the new Einstein Brother’s Bagels.

During the summer of 2016, Glass Hall is closed. Classes, as well as administrative and faculty offices have temporarily been moved to other locations on campus until the beginning of the fall 2016 semester.  Giving DeWitt and our General Contractor full access to the building for 11 weeks will allow several projects to move forward unimpeded.

Stay in the know on this project

When Glass Hall reopens in August of 2016, changes will be readily apparent.  All departmental offices will have new front entrances.  The current doors and much of the hallway surrounding them will be removed and replaced with glass panels and glass doors.  New flooring will be seen on the second through fourth floors and the south side hallway on the first floor will be significantly wider.

When the overall renovation and expansion project is complete, the space will be transformational for our students and will provide spaces for increased learning opportunities.  We look forward to a grand opening of the new spaces in the fall of 2017 and we hope to see you there!

To remain up to date on this project, please visit our website.  You can also watch a live video feed throughout the project for a real-time view of the action.