Missouri State University celebrated the opening of the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center with a ribbon cutting and open house Nov. 11. 

“The Davis-Harrington Welcome Center is where families first meet Missouri State. Now, directly across the street, the Smart Advancement Center is where Bears come back home,” President Richard B. Williams said. “Together, these two buildings say welcome home.  

“This is a place where students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends will always have a seat at the table and a home on the campus they love.” 

The university broke ground on the two-story building April 1, 2025, on the northwest corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard. 

The $26.2 million center serves as the home base for university advancement, including development, engagement and alumni relations, advancement services, and athletics development, along with the Missouri State University Foundation and the Alumni Association. 

A presidential honor 

The 28,000-square-foot building bears the name of Clifton M. Smart III, who served as Missouri State’s president from 2011-24. An anonymous seven-figure gift in his honor provided the initial funding for the project. 

“I was stunned to learn someone had given an anonymous lead gift to name the advancement center,” said Smart, at the announcement. “I have loved being president of this university and am so pleased my name will be forever associated with it. Thank you.” 

Building features 

The UAC includes an event center for nearly 200 people, two conference rooms, an executive board room, the Garnett Family Bears Den, Traditions Hall made possible by Mercy and an outdoor courtyard made possible by Mary and Jeff Schrag. 

Inside static and interactive displays featuring the university’s history, current university news and the impact of philanthropic gifts. 

In 2024, the foundation sold its longtime home in the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for $5.8 million. Proceeds from the sale of the downtown building helped fund the new center.  

Gifts to the center 

Private support made the project possible. In May, the foundation announced private gifts for the center had topped $10 million, which foundation President and CEO Brent Dunn called “a testament to the belief our donors have in this project.”

“This building exists because of our donors, and we can’t thank them enough,” he said. “Their generosity turned a vision into a place where alumni, students and friends will gather, celebrate and connect.  

“Every Bear who walks through these doors will see what their giving made possible, and that impact will live on here for generations.” 

These donors have made gift commitments to name spaces within the center: 

• Mary and Jeff Schrag Courtyard – Mary Hass Schrag and Jeff Schrag 
• Garnett Family Bears Den – Mark Garnett and Diann Garnett; Kimberly Garnett Foht; Stephanie Garnett Smith and Brian Smith 
• Pinegar Family Executive Board Room – Ed Pinegar and Carol Laughlin Pinegar; Angie Pinegar; Tad Pinegar and Amy Pinegar; Ashlie Pinegar; Abbi Pinegar Chastain 
• Kenneth E. Meyer Event Center – Kenneth E. and Jane A. Meyer Foundation 
• Traditions Hall – Mercy 
• Harthcock Reception Hall – Dr. Matthew Harthcock and Patricia Harthcock 
• Kinne Family Piano – Gordon and Laura Kinne and family 
• Miller-Keltner Family Conference Room – Beverly Miller Keltner, the Miller Family and Mike Keltner 
• Mike and Judy Breeding Conference Room – Mike Breeding and Judy Breeding 
• Kuntz Family Foyer – John Kuntz and Carol Kuntz; Andy Kuntz and Dana Kuntz 
• Bart Bailey and Amelia Bailey Counts Executive Breakout Room – Bart Bailey; Amelia Bailey Counts 
• Billy E. and Carolin J. Hixon Bear Constellation – Billy E. Hixon and Carolin J. Barker Hixon 
• John Foster Patio and Courtyard – John D. Foster 
• Rich and Cindy Miller Guest Information Suite – Rich Miller and Cindy Mann Miller 
• Bradley Thomas Welcome Entry – Bradley D. Thomas 
• Dan Cobb Traditions Entry – Dan Cobb 
• Richard and Teresa Ollis Executive Patio – Richard Ollis and Teresa Ollis 
• Beck Staging Area – Gregory A. Beck and Cheryl J. Warren Beck 

Additional donors are: the late Emeritus Dean Karen Horny; Anthony and Danielle Biggers; Greg Spears and Jennifer Mallory Spears; Scott Whiteley Carter; Jeffery Counts and Amelia Baliey Counts; Tina Chasteen Stillwell and Mark Stillwell; Kathryn Allred Al-Lamadani; Leo Johnson and Carolyn Mirts Johnson; Clarence E. McElroy; Linda K. Robertson; James H. “Jim” Wilson; Ethel and Stanton Curbow; Mary Tearney; and Earnest Muex and Aaren Williamson Muex.