Missouri State University has officially broken ground on the new Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center. The ceremony, held on the northwest corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard, marks the beginning of a project that promises to play a major role in the university’s future. It is expected to open in fall 2026.

Brent Dunn, Executive Director of the Missouri State Foundation, shared the vision for the new center, saying, “This marks a historic moment for Missouri State. This facility will be the heart of our efforts to engage alumni, strengthen partnerships, and secure the future of the university through philanthropy. It is not just about building a new structure—it is about creating a lasting foundation for generations of Bears to come.”

The Missouri State Foundation also announced $7,440,000 in naming gifts have already been secured for the building, with more gifts expected as construction progresses. In total, the Foundation has contributed over $20.8 million to this project, including the sale of the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

The 28,000-square-foot, two-story building will serve as a central hub for university advancement. It will house several key areas, including development, engagement and alumni relations, athletics development, advancement services and university advancement relations, as well as the Missouri State University Foundation and Alumni Association.

Some exciting features include a nearly 200-person event center, two conference rooms, an executive boardroom, a living room, a traditions hall and an outdoor courtyard where the MSU community can gather and celebrate.

J.E. Dunn Construction Co. has been selected as the construction manager at risk for the project.

The initial funding for the center came from an anonymous seven-figure donation, announced last April. Dunn expressed his gratitude to donors, emphasizing that their generosity has turned the vision of this center into a reality.

This groundbreaking is just the beginning, and as the construction continues, we can look forward to more updates—and more reasons to celebrate the spirit of Missouri State University. Stay tuned for all the exciting things to come!

The following have made gift commitments for namings within the new university advancement center:

• Anonymous, for the Clifton M. Smart III Advancement Center
• Kenneth E. and Jane A. Meyer Foundation, for the Kenneth E. Meyer Event Center
• Mary and Jeff Schrag, for the Mary and Jeff Schrag Courtyard
• Matthew and Patricia Harthcock, for the Dr. Matthew ’77 and Patricia Harthcock Reception Hall and the Dr. Matthew ‘77 and Patricia Harthcock BearMobile
• Beverly Miller Keltner, for the Jack Miller and Beverly Miller Keltner Family Conference Room
• Mike and Judy Breeding, for the Mike and Judy Breeding Conference Room
• John Foster, for the John Foster Patio and Courtyard
• Carol, Andy and Dana Kuntz, for the Kuntz Family Foyer
• Billy and Carolin Hixon  
• Rich and Cindy Miller, for the Rich and Cindy Miller Guest Information Suite
• Dan Cobb, for the Dan Cobb North Welcome Entrance
• Bradley Thomas, for the Bradley Thomas South Welcome Entrance
• Richard and Teresa Ollis, for the Richard and Teresa Ollis Executive Patio
• Greg and Cheryl Beck, for the Gregory A. and Cheryl J. Beck Catering and Staging Area
• Karen Horny, for the Teri Trickey Catering Kitchen
• Greg and Jennifer Spears, for the Spears Family Sitting Area
• Scott Carter in memory of his parents, for the Carole R. and A. Bruce Carter Reception Area
• Anthony and Danielle Biggers, for the Anthony and Danielle Biggers Sitting Area
• Mark and Tina Stillwell, for the Mark and Tina Stillwell Assistant Vice President for Development & Strategy Office
• Earnest and Aaren Muex, for the Earnest and Aaren ’02 Muex Executive Director of Engagement & Alumni Relations Office
• Anonymous, for the Advancement Office
• Jim Wilson, for the Jim Wilson Break Room