The Board of Governors at Missouri Western State University approved a project to renovate an entryway to Popplewell Hall. The project is funded by Building Affordability, the 2015 legislation also known as House Bill 19 that appropriated $4.8 million to Missouri Western for capital improvements.
“HB19 provided state funds for much-needed improvements on our campus,” said Dr. Cale Fessler, vice president for financial planning and administration. “We have been able to upgrade HVAC systems, improve ADA accessibility and make parts of campus more attractive with fresh paint, flooring and ceilings.”
The Popplewell project includes a larger exterior entry, removing walls and cabinets to increase the amount of usable space, and new fixtures, flooring, ceiling tiles and paint. Four local contractors bid on the project. The board accepted the low bid of $110,456 from Lee Grover Construction Company.
Also Thursday, the board approved a mid-year tuition increase of 0.79 percent for in-state, undergraduate students, an increase of $1.58 per credit hour. Missouri Western does not plan to retroactively charge the increase to students for the spring 2017 semester. Approving the increase allowed by Senate Bill 389, the 2007 legislation capping tuition increases at Missouri universities, will allow next year’s tuition change to be based on the new tuition rate. The board typically sets tuition for the upcoming year in April.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.