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Missouri Western announced Thursday that it’s board of governors has accepted a master plan for future growth and development of the university’s physical campus.
The plan was developed by the architectural firm Clark|Huesemann of Lawrence, Kansas.
“This plan grew out of a thorough analysis of our existing campus facilities and infrastructure, and conversations with students, faculty, staff and community members about the strengths, challenges and opportunities facing Missouri Western,” said Ann Pearce, special assistant to the president and chair of the master plan steering committee. “This plan will evolve based on many factors, not the least of which is available funding. However, it gives us a framework to discuss priorities and possibilities while considering our resources.”
The master plan has six goals: address basic and urgent needs; enhance the educational experience; strengthen connections to the community; develop a cohesive university community; build financial sustainability; and create pride of place.
Some of the “basic and urgent needs” identified in the master plan are already being addressed: the plan recommends the replacement of Spratt Stadium and a complete renovation of Potter Hall. Those two projects are priorities in the university’s current
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Centennial Capital Campaign, and bids to replace Spratt Stadium are currently being reviewed.
The master plan capitalizes on current layout and resources in planning for the next decade of growth to 7,500 students, from the current 5,926. The design is one of a landscaped park inside of a ringed road. A new east-west pedestrian spine connects the campus from east to west, with quadrangles on rolling hills framing the path of the landscaped green spine. A new building to house the Craig School of Business sits at an improved main entrance from Mitchell Avenue. The plan also features additional student recreation space, expanded campus housing and dining, major renovations to Wilson Hall and the Looney Complex, improved and expanded parking and pedestrian crosswalks, among other initiatives.
“We are extremely pleased with the professionalism and thoroughness of Clark|Huesemann LC, which led us through this important, thought-provoking, and detailed process,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, in a letter introducing the master plan. “Special thanks go to Steve Clark and Jane Huesemann for their expert leadership and dedication to the initiative. We also greatly appreciate the guidance of the Master Plan Steering Committee members, the University’s Board of Governors and all campus and community members who provided input and encouragement.”