JOPLIN, Mo. — Work is set to begin on the newest addition to Missouri Southern.
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on campus Thursday for what will be the new Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center.
Actual construction on the 65,000 square foot structure is scheduled to start this summer. The building will occupy a large portion of what is now part of the campus oval.
It’s named after former US Senator Roy Blunt for all his contributions to the school during his political career.
“This along with the presence in the community now of the dental college and the medical school and the relationship both of those have with campus plus nursing and allied health that’s here really shows an important long term commitment by Missouri Southern University,” said Roy Blunt, former U.S. Senator.
“Much of the building will be devoted to learning, teaching and learning in the health and life sciences but also there will be a welcome center and some meeting space , all connected, a beautiful atrium will be at the center of the building that will lead onto the oval,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU President.
The price tag for the building, which should be ready by the fall of 2026, is about $45 million.