The Missouri State University Foundation announced more than $12.5 million in new gifts during its annual Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 13. 

The gifts from both individuals and businesses support student scholarships, Mo State athletics, construction of the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center and other programs and areas at Missouri State. 

“Private gifts are critical to Missouri State’s success. We’re truly grateful to our donors whose generosity helps the university provide opportunities, enhance programs and strengthen the student experience for generations to come,” said Brent Dunn, Missouri State foundation executive director.  

“It’s especially meaningful to share the announcement of new gifts totaling more than $12.5 million as part of the foundation Board of Trustees fall meeting, where we celebrate the impact of our collective commitment to the university’s future.” 

Dunn’s suite surprise 

As plans for the Smart University Advancement Center progressed, the foundation Board of Trustees knew there was one name that needed to be in the building – Brent Dunn.  

For more than 40 years, Dunn has served as an ambassador, spokesperson and advocate for the foundation and university. In short, he bleeds maroon. 

To recognize and honor his service and unwavering commitment to all things Missouri State, the trustees have named the office suite that will house the vice president for university advancement/executive director of the foundation after this longtime Bear.  

The surprise was unveiled before family and friends during a special media tour of building construction. 

The donors 

The following have made gift commitments to Missouri State:  

• The Pinegar Family Executive Boardroom
  A family whose name is synonymous with Missouri State is the Pinegar family. Carol Pinegar and the late Ed Pinegar have made Missouri State an integral part of all areas of their family. The family’s gift to name the Pinegar Family Executive Boardroom in the Smart University Advancement Center is yet another demonstration of their dedication to Missouri State. This gift adds to the many areas the Pinegars have supported at the university, including agriculture, athletics, the College of Business and Greenwood Laboratory School. 
• Mercy 
  Mercy made a substantial gift commitment to name the Mercy Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Lab in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services and a gift for Traditions Hall in the Smart University Advancement Center.  
• Brent Dunn Vice President for University Advancement Suite
  This gift made by the foundation Board of Trustees is in honor of Brent’s Dunn’s service and commitment to Missouri State. 
•  Jeff and Amy Counts
  In support of the Smart University Advancement Center, Jeff and Amy Counts made a gift commitment to name the Jeffrey and Amelia Counts Advancement Office. 
• Kathryn Allred Al-Lamadani
  Kathryn Allred Al-Lamadani provided a gift commitment for the Smart University Advancement Center by naming the Kathryn Allred Al-Lamadani Advancement Office. 
• Leo and Carolyn Mirts Johnson 
  Leo and Carolyn Mirts Johnson continued their support for Missouri State by making a gift commitment to name the Leo and Carolyn Mirts Johnson Advancement Office in the Smart University Advancement Center. 
• Missouri State President Richard B. and Kristin Williams
  Dr. Richard B. and Kristin Williams have established an endowed scholarship to benefit students in the William H. Darr College of Agriculture. 
• Denney Family Trust
  The Denney Family Trust provided the naming for the math department head’s office in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, as well as a deferred gift commitment for scholarships in CNAS. 
• Dr. Betty K. Adams Retained Life Estate
  The late Dr. Betty K. Adams made provisions through her estate for a significant deferred gift to support scholarships in the Darr College of Agriculture and the College of Education. 
• Three, seven-figure anonymous gifts to support Mo State football
• Wayne and Diana Hutchins Retained Life Estate
  Wayne and Diana Hutchins are long-time supporters of scholarships, athletics and Broadcast Services. They recently made a deferred gift provision to enhance educational opportunities for students in the Darr College of Agriculture. 
• Howard and Linda Bailey Family 
  As the founder of BP Builders, Howard Bailey and the Bailey family continue to champion innovation and excellence in the construction industry. Through the establishment of two endowed funds, they are helping to provide the School of Construction Design and Project Management with resources to assist students and faculty to be leaders in the construction industry. 
• John and Constance Toler
  John and Constance made provisions through their estate to establish the John M. Toler Family Endowed Mathematics’ Scholarship in the math department.  
• Lynn and Karen Thompson
  As Bear athletics enthusiasts, it would be difficult to find anyone more dedicated to Mo State athletics than Lynn and Karen Thompson. Through their generosity, two new Competitive Excellence Funds were created, one for Bears basketball and one for Lady Bears basketball. 
• Don Kinder Estate
  An avid fan of Bears and Lady Bears basketball, Don Kinder left provisions in his estate to support these programs through the creation of Competitive Excellence Funds for each program. 
• Denise L. Gibson Endowed Scholarship
  Denise Gibson established this scholarship in her name with a deferred gift through her trust for students in need of significant financial assistance or are first generation students. 
• Dr. David O. and Susan Belcher Lobby
  In memory of her late husband, Dr. David Belcher, a former dean of the Reynolds College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Susan named the lobby in the new Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex the Dr. David O. and Susan B. Belcher Lobby.   
• Snyder Construction
  Snyder Construction continued its support for the School of Construction, Design and Project Management by naming the Snyder Construction Rooftop Terrace and the Snyder Construction Group Collaboration Room in the newly renovated Kemper Hall. 
• JMS Charitable Foundation
  The JMS Charitable Foundation continued its support for Missouri State students through a gift for nondepartmental scholarships assisting first-generation students with strong community involvement who demonstrated financial need.  
• Bombas
  Bombas continued to partner with Missouri State, providing gift-in-kind support to the Bear Pantry and the MSU Care Clinic. 
• An anonymous gift established a new scholarship to support first-generation students in the College of Education. 
• An anonymous gift to support Broadcast Services programing. 

Leadership change 

During today’s meeting, the Board of Trustees also thanked James H. Wilson for his service as chair and welcomed Beverly Miller Keltner who will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2026.  

In addition, two new trustees joined the board: Michelle Brekken and Jarrod Sohosky, both of Frisco, Texas.