A comprehensive master planning initiative is a component of Missouri Western’s vision as it begins its second century, and t he University received the results of that initiative from consultants Clark|Huesemann this spring.
Ann Pearce, chair of the master plan steering committee, said the 10-year plan will help guide the University’s decisions regarding new construction and renovation, traffic patterns, accessibility, environmental stewardship, parking, land development, and classroom and other space utilization. The plan also addressed priorities and urgent needs.
“The consultants have been tremendous to work with,” she said. “It was a very good process.”
Along with consultants spending many days on campus last year, several students were given disposable cameras and asked to take photos all over campus, including their favorite spot, their least favorite spot, a great place to study, what helps them succeed, and what needs improvement.
Junior Sarah Gibler kept a camera for almost two weeks. She talked to her friends who lived on campus and posted questions on her facebook page for more student input. “I enjoy helping people, and I was excited that administrators wanted to know what I thought,” she said.
For a photo of what on campus helps her succeed, Gibler gathered a few of her professors together for a group photo. “I thought a lot about that question, and finally decided it was my professors who help me succeed. That was fun.”
Art education major Maggie Reil carried a camera around with her, also. Her favorite spots on campus are Potter Hall and the Blum Union, where she spends most of her time. “I had never really thought about the questions they asked before, so I had to think about some of my answers,” she said.
Results of the initiative include a design concept of the campus, a comprehensive campus analysis, and an extensive master plan report.
Throughout the process, the consultants gave campus and community members several opportunities to voice their opinions, including presenting several design alternatives for feedback. An initial design, which placed all new construction in the main campus area, was approved at the December 2014 Board of Governors meeting.
“This design works best for the University and its current financial situation,” said Pearce of the one selected. “It is a plan that we could possibly make happen.”
Three findings of the master planning process include the need for a new stadium, more performance space for students in the arts, and additional student recreation space.
At the November 2014 Board of Governors meeting, the board approved a statement of intent to proceed with a $5.5 million auxiliary system revenue bond issue to pay for improvements to the stadium. That project is also a focal point of the Centennial Capital Campaign (see p. 12). Several gifts have already been received for the stadium project, and more funds are being sought.
Additional performance space is also a strategic focus of the Centennial Capital Campaign. As part of the master planning process, 10 peer universities in the region were benchmarked for performance facilities, and Missouri Western was the only one to lack a large performance hall. Missouri Western also provides the lowest number of total performance seating per student enrollment than any of the other universities in the study.
The consultants compared Missouri Western with Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Missouri Southern State University, Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Pittsburg State University, Truman State University, University of Central Missouri and Washburn University.
The analysis notes that indoor recreation courts are not available for student use for several hours per day, unlike Missouri Western’s peer institutions.
To address this issue, the consultants recommend additions to the Baker Family Fitness Center and the Looney Complex. The design also includes intramural fields behind the residence halls and a building nearby for restrooms.
In July 2014, Gov. Jay Nixon signed a land lease bill which opens up opportunities for Missouri Western to enter into long-term leases on its 723-acre campus. The master plan report lists six areas that can potentially be developed through long-term leasing.
Pearce said the University has already received some proposals for development of some of those areas.
The report also addresses campus needs if enrollment continues to increase. Those projects include more space for dining facilities, additions to current residence halls or the addition of an eighth residence hall. Pearce said if University personnel consider building another residence hall, they will look at a range of student needs, such as family or international student housing, in addition to traditional student housing.
“The master plan identifies real needs,” Pearce said. “I don’t think it will be a plan that just sits on a shelf.”