Nixon reinstates nearly $2M for MSU’s Glass Hall

On the campus of Missouri State University yesterday, Gov. Jay Nixon said the state is giving $1.88 million to MSU in order to complete the renovation and expansion of Glass Hall.

Funding for the renovation had been withheld, according to Springfield Business Journal reporting, but progress in funding and education has been made. Nixon on Sept. 15 withheld MSU’s funds, along with some $55 million for other state programs, the day after Missouri’s General Assembly overrode 13 of his vetoes.

Glass Hall houses MSU’s College of Business, and the $33.8 million expansion underway includes a 37,000-square-foot addition complete with work rooms, an advising center, career center and a simulation of the New York Stock Exchange, according to a news release. The state originally appropriated $5 million toward the Glass Hall expansion.

“Through fiscal discipline and a growing economy, we are able to make targeted investments in higher education so that Missouri colleges and universities don’t have to raise tuition,” Nixon said in the release. “As a result, Missouri has seen a 36 percent increase in college graduates while leading the nation in holding down tuition increases. We are proud to build on this progress by supporting this important project here at Missouri State University.”

MSU President Clif Smart and Commissioner of Higher Education Zora Mulligan also were on hand for the announcement.

Afterward, Smart tweeted, “Thank you @GovJayNixon for releasing the remaining Glass Hall funding.”

Smart had said the school would modify the ongoing project without the last installment of funds.

According to the release, Nixon’s administration has made education a priority through emphasizing college affordability, attainment, quality and effectiveness. For instance, the 2015-16 school year marks the fourth tuition freeze Nixon has secured since taking office in 2009.