Last week the Governor’s Innovation Task Force met on our campus. This was one of five roundtables the task force is holding throughout the state.

MSU’s role in workforce development

Governor Greitens established the Innovation Task Force to bring together private and public sector leaders from across the state in a non-partisan effort to ensure that Missouri’s strategy to promote innovation and new technology start-ups is informed by the best minds from business, nonprofits and government.

I was privileged to get to meet with Governor Greitens, Drew Erdmann (the Governor’s Chief Operating Officer and the chair of the task force) and the other members of the Innovation Task Force. I advocated for the university and for our economic development initiatives and assets like the Jordan Valley Innovation Center and The eFactory. The Governor assured me that he is aware of our success at Missouri State University, and he supports our mission and work.

We were able to host these meetings and engage with the Governor because of our investments in economic and workforce development. It is important that we continue to focus on developing the state’s workforce and investing in the state’s economic infrastructure. The IDEA Commons project I discussed in last week’s note is one way we can do this as we move the university forward.

Hill Hall renovation

Last week the Board of Governors awarded the contract to renovate Hill Hall to Carson-Mitchell, Inc. In addition to submitting the lowest bid, Carson-Mitchell, Inc. is the general contractor for the Ellis Hall project.

The project will enhance the overall learning environment in Hill Hall. It will also improve accessibility, replace old mechanical systems and improve the life safety components of the building. The project also relocates offices on the fourth floor to allow for new classroom space and renovates the old pool area into a student lounge, meeting rooms and a computer lab. The work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2018.

No university reserves will be used to fund the budget for this project. Rather, $9.5 million will be funded with bond proceeds received from the state. The remaining $1.5 million will be funded with allocations for maintenance and repair and classroom upgrades.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!