Former state legislator makes donation to Efactory

Courtesy Missouri State University

Jay Wasson contributes a naming-level gift.

Former state legislator Jay Wasson made a donation to Missouri State University's Efactory business incubator.

His donation funds what's being called the Jay Wasson Idea Loft, located on the recently renovated third floor of the Efactory's home, the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center. The donation amount was undisclosed in a news release.

MSU yesterday dedicated the new space, which has more than 4,000 square feet for business and leadership training. A new staircase and elevator were added to reach the floor as part of the renovation work conducted during the past 18 months. The third floor previously was unused.

“The Jay Wasson Idea Loft allows for increased training opportunities and activities focused on fostering innovation, advancing entrepreneurship and growing businesses in southwest Missouri," said Brent Dunn, MSU Foundation executive director, in the release.

A current member of the MSU Board of Governors, Wasson served 2010-18 in the Missouri Senate after four terms in the state's House of Representatives. He also previously served as the city of Nixa's mayor in the late 1990s and early 2000s.