Construction on Missouri State University's Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center is now underway. The building, located at the northwest corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard, is a project that promises to play a major role in the university’s future. It is expected to open in fall 2026.

Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center

Our new home will be ready in...

The Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center reached an exciting milestone with the signing of the final beam by students, faculty, staff and friends of Missouri State University. Scheduled to open in fall 2026, the facility will serve as the home for the Division for University Advancement, which includes the Missouri State University Foundation and Alumni Association. This new space will provide a central hub for advancing the university’s mission and strengthening connections with alumni and supporters.
 

The Missouri State Foundation has secured more than $8,590,000 in naming gifts for the building, with more gifts expected as construction progresses. In total, the Foundation has contributed over $20.8 million to this project, including the sale of the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

The 28,000-square-foot, two-story building will serve as a central hub for university advancement. It will house several key areas, including development, engagement and alumni relations, athletics development, advancement services and university advancement relations, as well as the Missouri State University Foundation and Alumni Association.

Some exciting features include a nearly 200-person event center, two conference rooms, an executive boardroom, a living room, a traditions hall and an outdoor courtyard where the MSU community can gather and celebrate.

 

Beam signing images
About the building
Groundbreaking images

 

"This marks a historic moment for Missouri State. This facility will be the heart of our efforts to engage alumni, strengthen partnerships, and secure the future of the university through philanthropy. It is not just about building a new structure—it is about creating a lasting foundation for generations of Bears to come."

-Brent Dunn, Executive Director of the Missouri State Foundation

J.E. Dunn Construction Co. has been selected as the construction manager at risk for the project. The initial funding for the center came from an anonymous seven-figure donation, announced in April 2024.

As the construction continues, we can look forward to more updates—and more reasons to celebrate the spirit of Missouri State University.