Missouri State University Capital Priorities

THE JUDITH ENYEART REYNOLDS COMPLEX

The Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex will be a significant part of Missouri State University’s transformation plan. Through the plan, the university is modernizing its academic enterprise, better supporting students, maintaining and strengthening programs and enhancing efficiency and collaboration. The plan includes an academic realignment that cut $5 million in recurring costs, identified $1.8 million that will be used to reinvest in key priorities, and eliminated 14 administrative positions. One of the most significant changes associated with the realignment is the creation of the new Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH), which consolidates resources previously spread across two separate colleges. 3,400 students are enrolled in the college in programs such as criminology and criminal justice, defense and strategic studies, English, history, art and communications. 

The transformation plan also includes an overhaul of the university’s student success model. In the new model, each college will have an advising center designed to help students achieve their personal, academic and career goals.

Two of the buildings in which RCASH programs are housed no longer meet modern academic and student support needs. Missouri State proposes to eliminate a significant backlog of deferred maintenance in these facilities by replacing one and renovating another. Together, the new space will be the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex.

Addressing deferred maintenance and modernizing academic space 

The new complex will replace one building and renovate another.

The building that will be replaced was originally constructed as a military facility at Camp Crowder in Neosho, Missouri, and relocated to MSU’s campus after World War II. The building has reached end-of-life with significant deferred maintenance issues including critical life-safety systems and accessibility. 

The building that will be renovated was constructed in 1967. It also has deferred maintenance needs, including life-safety improvements, building envelope repairs, new interior lighting, cosmetic upgrades and renovations to resolve accessibility of restrooms. 

The new and renovated buildings will include a student success center and state-of-the-art learning spaces. The total cost of the project is $35 million. 

Missouri State respectfully requests a one-time appropriation of $17.5 million in state funds, which the university will match on a 50/50 basis. The match will include $5.5 million in university funds and a $12 million private gift, for which the university has secured a firm commitment. 

This request replaces the second year of funding for Missouri State’s original project, the Center for Transformational Education for Life, Physical and Health Sciences. The dollar amount is the same.