When you walk around campus, it’s easy to spot signs of Missouri State’s commitment to innovation — in the form of construction projects. Many of these projects are focused on expanding, renovating or adding critical academic spaces.
“We’re fortunate to have the vision of the planning team and the generosity of supporters, both of which make these advancements possible,” says Provost Dr. John Jasinski. “I’d also like to recognize the patience and flexibility of faculty, staff and students as we continue to evolve and transform our campus to meet changing educational needs.”
Construction Updates
We caught up with Mark Wheeler, university architect and director of planning, design and construction, to find out the latest on projects that are of particular significance for the university’s academic life.
Blunt Hall
- About this project: Arguably the most visible construction project on campus, the renovation and expansion of Roy Blunt Hall broke ground in late 2022. It’s a two-phase project. Phase 1 is a 75,000-square-foot addition; Phase 2 is the total renovation of the pre-existing building. The project will add new STEM facilities — including computer labs and research labs — to the building that’s served as home to the College of Natural and Applied Sciences since 1971.
- The latest: “This project has been on the university’s master plans for over three decades,” Wheeler says. “It’s a fantastic privilege to see this project come to fruition. It’s also a testimony to the perseverance and leadership of those involved — across the decades — who pushed to bring this project to life. Over the years, I’ve heard so many people say that it would never happen, but President [Clif] Smart and other influential leaders stayed the course. Thanks to generous funding for this project, Blunt Hall will serve the campus for another 50 years, facilitating academic excellence and meaningful research on our campus.”
- Expected completion: Summer 2026
Agricultural Innovation Hub
- About this project: This new-build project is currently in the foundation stage. When it’s complete, it will add an 8,500-square-foot building — with classrooms, collaboration spaces, welding stations, woodworking capability and more — to the Darr Agricultural Center.
- The latest: “It’s fascinating to see the amount of technology used for agricultural purposes,” Wheeler says. “This new building allows students to experience learning about these processes and how to operate and repair this equipment. For example, they’ll learn how to repair farming drones and combines.”
- Expected completion: December 2024
Kemper Hall
- About this project: Building footings and foundations for the renovation and addition at Kemper Hall are nearly complete, and the first concrete slab was poured on April 12. The 10,000-square-foot addition on the northwest corner of Kemper will be home to the technology and construction management program.
- The latest: “Similar to the Agricultural Innovation Hub, the addition to Kemper Hall allows a hands-on academic experience in a safe and controlled environment,” Wheeler says. “There is a shop area that houses a spider crane, which will also allow students to pour concrete slabs directly from a concrete truck.”
- Expected completion: December 2024
On the Horizon
Wheeler tells us that design work has begun for the renovation of Craig Hall, the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex (which will replace the Art Annex), the renovation of Cheek Hall and the just-announced Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center. “More information and renderings will be forthcoming over the next several months,” he says.
Around Campus…
Dr. Melissa Bledsoe will be the next dean of the Darr College of Agriculture (DCOAG). Bledsoe joined the faculty at Missouri State in 2013. Currently, she serves as DCOAG interim dean, a position she’s held since June 2023.
Bledsoe says she’s most excited about continuing to advance DCOAG in its mission to prepare tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture. Recently, to support fuller collaboration, DCOAG programs were reorganized into the School of Agricultural Science and Conservation (housing the animal science, equine science, pre-veterinary, environmental plant science, natural resources and wildlife conservation and management programs) and the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership (housing the hospitality leadership, agribusiness, agriculture education and agricultural communications programs). DCOAG also welcomed hospitality programs into the college as part of a complete “farm-to-fork” focus.
Provost Dr. John Jasinski commends Bledsoe’s “student-focused, team-oriented and results-driven approach… [and] understanding of changing internal needs and external expectations” as gifts that will serve DCOAG for years to come.