Driven by the legacy and inspiration of Judith Enyeart Reynolds, Missouri State University is empowered to dream bigger together and expand its destination campus for the arts, social sciences and humanities. 

An eight-figure gift from the C.W. Titus Foundation will support construction of a state-of-the-art facility named in honor of Judith Enyeart Reynolds designed to enhance arts, social sciences and humanities education. The donation is the largest one-time, single gift in university history. 

“This gift is truly transformational,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri State Foundation. “Private support changes the university, and we are so thankful for the C.W. Titus Foundation’s continued support and trust in Missouri State University.” 

Serving as the university’s new “front porch,” the campus entryway at Grand Street, just west of National Avenue, will be transformed into a welcoming threshold to the community. Inspired by front porches in the residential neighborhood to the south, it will be a place of connection and a celebration of all things art. 

The building will replace the current Art Annex along Grand Street. More details about the new building name and design will be shared in the coming weeks. 

A destination campus 

This gift allows Missouri State students, faculty and staff to embrace a pivotal moment in university history and makes a statement as the university embraces and promotes the arts, social sciences and humanities to become a destination campus.  

This donation builds on the work already completed to the university’s arts corridor in downtown Springfield, known as Brick City, renovations to university music facilities in Ellis Hall, the addition of the John Goodman Amphitheatre in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park and the recent completion of the Grand Street underpass. 

“This is transformational for our campus and will impact not only the students, faculty and staff of Missouri State, but also add a new artistic focal point for the community,” said Dr. Shawn Wahl, dean of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. “This project supports our vision to protect and enhance all academic programs in the arts, humanities and social sciences at Missouri State.” 

The C.W. Titus Foundation and Missouri State 

Over the years, the C.W. Titus Foundation has provided significant support for public broadcasting through Ozarks Public Television and KSMU.  

Most recently, in 2020, the foundation made a eight-figure gift to support student scholarships in the former Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters and funds for an art park.  

“This building completes a vision for the southeast corner of campus and reimagines the gateway to the arts at Missouri State,” said Clif Smart, Missouri State University president. “It changes the physical landscape of campus and not only fulfills a strategic vision, but also enhances the community we call home.” 

The building project is slated for completion in late fall 2025.