MSU announces largest one-time gift in its history

Missouri State University this morning announced the receipt of a gift that officials say is the largest in its history.

The eight-figure donation from the C.W. Titus Foundation is slated to go toward a new "front porch" to campus, according to a news release. The donation figure was not disclosed.

“This gift is truly transformational,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the MSU Foundation, in the release. “Private support changes the university, and we are so thankful for the C.W. Titus Foundation’s continued support and trust in Missouri State University.”

MSU plans to develop a building to serve as a campus entryway at Grand Street, just west of National Avenue. It would replace the current Art Annex along Grand Street.

The building, inspired by front porches in the residential neighborhood to the south, is designed to enhance arts, social sciences and humanities and be named in honor of Judith Enyeart Reynolds. Tim and Judy Reynolds are longtime MSU supporters, and both attended the university. Tim is a trustee of the C.W. Titus Foundation, and Judy worked for the MSU English Department from 1966-94, according to past reporting. The C.W. Titus Foundation also has supported public broadcasting through Ozarks Public Television and KSMU, both of which are housed at MSU.

"This project supports our vision to protect and enhance all academic programs in the arts, humanities and social sciences at Missouri State," said Shawn Wahl, dean of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at MSU, in the release.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based C.W. Titus Foundation previously issued an eight-figure donation to MSU in 2020. That resulted in the renaming of the college from the College of Arts and Letters, according to past reporting.