Earlier this month the Board of Governors Executive Committee met.
The Executive Committee approved a construction contract for a classroom addition to McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall. The board awarded the contract to Branco Enterprises, the low bidder, and approved a budget that includes $4.6 million in construction costs for the project.
Of that, $2.9 million of the project will be funded from a MoExcels grant the university received from the state. The remainder will be funded with a significant contribution from the McQueary family, other private contributions and university reserves.
The board and administration are very excited about the opportunities this project provides to expand our nursing and other health programs.
Improving the physical campus
The board also approved capital priorities for both campuses. These priorities will be forwarded to the Missouri Department of Higher Education for consideration by the coordinating board and the governor’s office as they form budget recommendations for fiscal year 2021.
The highest priority capital request on the Springfield campus is renovation of the Professional Building, followed by construction of a science center and several other significant renovation projects (McDonald Hall, Cheek Hall and Meyer Library).
The highest priority capital request on the West Plains campus is construction of a facility to house an advanced welding technology program, followed by several significant renovation projects (Garnett Library, Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center, Looney Hall and Broadway Hall).
We have already begun working with government officials to advocate for these projects.
Approving new contracts
The board also approved two important university contracts.
The first is a revenue contract with Spectra Food Services and Hospitality, the current food vendor in Missouri State’s athletic venues. This contract will extend the term of the university’s agreement with Spectra to 2029. Under the contract, Spectra will pay the university $1 million for food service improvements on campus. Spectra will also guarantee that Missouri State receives commissions of $325,000 (plus a 2% annual inflator) each year.
The second contract is with Bear Village Apartments to house 40 students and 20 faculty members coming to campus from Ningxia University in China. These students and faculty members will participate in customized agricultural education and training through the Darr College of Agriculture. This program is one example of the work that is underway to counteract enrollment declines in the coming year.
Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!
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