Missouri Western began a comprehensive master planning initiative this past summer, and a report is scheduled to be available next spring.
“As we look back and celebrate our past 100 years in 2015, it is important that we plan ahead for Missouri Western’s second century,” said Jerry Pickman ’85, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation. Pickman guided the process of selecting the architectural firm Clark-Huesemann of Lawrence, Kan., for development of the master plan.
He said the plan will establish a framework for physical growth over the next 10 years, and will help guide the University’s decisions regarding new construction and renovation, traffic patterns, accessibility, environmental stewardship, parking, land development, and classroom and space utilization.
Ann Pearce, special assistant to the president, is heading a master plan steering committee. She noted that the University has had master planning initiatives in the past for housing and facility usage, but the last master plan for the entire campus was in 1967, shortly after the property was purchased for the new campus that opened in 1969.
“It’s important for us to make sure that we have the physical structure to support student needs into the future,” Pearce said. “The process will be thoughtful and very strategic.”
A master plan is especially important, Pearce said, since a long-term land lease bill was signed by Gov. Jay Nixon in July. Previously, state law included a sunset clause which prevented most universities from leasing their land beyond 2017. The new law opens up opportunities to enter into long-term leases on campus. “A master plan will help insure that any of these leases are compatible with our overall mission and possible future needs,” she said.