MSU names welcome center after donors

The family behind Warren Davis Properties made a naming-level donation to Missouri State University for its currently under construction welcome center.

With the donation for an undisclosed amount, the facility at National Avenue and Bear Boulevard will be known as the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center, officials announced during an Oct. 16 ceremony.

Warren Davis owns Davis Properties and manages it with his daughter, Kim Harrington, and her husband, Patrick. They were on hand for the announcement, held in a tent next to the construction site.

"I think one thing that is overlooked a lot is the economic impact that Missouri State has on Springfield," Patrick Harrington said. "You guys are a major, major cog in the wheel that runs Springfield."

Expected to open in fall 2015, the facility would include a welcoming lobby, offices, conference room and 100-seat auditorium. MSU President Clif Smart said the donation comes at a critical time for the welcome center.

"The money the legislature approved to fund almost half of this project has been withheld by the governor as a result of revenue shortfalls, and frankly, will likely never be received," he said.

Smart previously has said the welcome center is costing the school approximately $4 million to build.