From the Ground Up: Michael L. Parson Student Union

Owner: Ozarks Technical Community College
General contractor: DeWitt & Associates Inc.
Architect: nForm Architecture LLC
Engineers: CJW Transportation Consultants LLC, civil; Mettemeyer Engineering LLC, structural; IMEG Consultants Corp. (Kansas City), mechanical, electrical and plumbing; and Perkins & Will Inc. (Kansas City), landscape
Size: 100,000 square feet
Cost: $35.8 million
Funding source: State of Missouri budget appropriation
Estimated completion: June 2026
Project description: Described by college officials as a facility that is focused on workforce development and student success, the three-story Michael L. Parson Student Union at Ozarks Technical Community College is designed to offer student-centered amenities like the Hamra family library, career and tutoring center, plus a fitness center, food court, bookstore and student plaza. Planned features of the building are the Bailey Family Welcome Center, the Rick and Haren Hughlett/Rick’s Automotive Family Workforce Lounge and the illuminated Judy and Mike Breeding Clocktower. There will also be an outdoor plaza, through a donation from David and Stacey O’Reilly, called the O’Reilly Auto Parts Plaza. The center’s name honors former Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.