Missouri State University broke ground today on the $26.2 million Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center.
The ceremony took place at the site of the future building, across from the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center, on the northwest corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard.
“Today marks a historic moment for Missouri State as we break ground on the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center. This facility will serve as the heart of our efforts to engage alumni and friends, strengthen partnerships and secure the future of our university through philanthropy,” said Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State Foundation. “It stands as a testament to the generosity of our donors. We are building more than just a structure – we are building a foundation for generations of Bears to come.”
The Missouri State Foundation also announced $7,440,000 in naming gifts for the building. Fundraising continues for this project with more gift announcements to come during the construction phase.
In total, the Missouri State Foundation will have contributed more than $20.8 million to this project, including the sale of the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center building in downtown Springfield to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
Center features
The 28,000-square-foot addition to campus will serve as a central hub for university advancement. The two-story center will house key areas of development, engagement and alumni relations, university advancement relations, advancement services and athletics development, as well as the Missouri State Foundation and Alumni Association.
Plans include an event center for nearly 200, two conference rooms, an executive boardroom, living room, traditions hall and an outdoor courtyard.
The Board of Governors approved J.E. Dunn Construction Co. as the construction manager at risk for the project.
Private gifts
Initial funding for the project came from an anonymous seven-figure donation announced last April.
‘This groundbreaking would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our donors,” Dunn said. “Their private gifts have turned a vision into reality, ensuring the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center will be a place where we connect, collaborate and celebrate the spirit of Missouri State.
“We are deeply grateful for their belief in our mission and their investment in the future of the university.”
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
The university advancement center is expected to open in fall 2026.