State funding could spur renovations of MSU's Ellis Hall

During a visit to Missouri State University late last week, Gov. Jay Nixon said he would work with legislators to issue bonds for renovations of academic building Ellis Hall.

“I’m pleased to announce my commitment to work with the legislature to complete the bond issuance that will pave the way for these long-overdue investments in higher education in our state – and to do so in a strategic and fiscally responsible way that will benefit our students and our economy,” Nixon said in a news release.

The Democratic governor was joined on the tour of campus by MSU President Clif Smart, Republican Sens. Bob Dixon, David Sater and Jay Wasson, and Springfield state Rep. Lincoln Hough, also a Republican.

Serving as the university’s music and fine arts building, Ellis Hall plans call for spending $7.6 million to make repairs and renovations, including adding disability accessible features to recital halls, installing a fire suppression system, and modernizing classrooms and practice areas. Named after former MSU President Roy Ellis, the building was completed in 1959.

“Sound investments in higher education require investing in both people and in academic facilities,” Smart said in the release.

During the visit, Nixon called on bipartisan support for bonds to improve higher education in Missouri for the upcoming legislative session. Last year, he said $200 million was made available for projects at four-year institutions and community colleges statewide. Another proposed project on MSU’s docket is $9.6 million in renovations to the 1924-constructed Hill Hall academic building, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]