Ozarks Tech breaks ground on nearly $50M project

Gov. Mike Parson participated in a Thursday groundbreaking ceremony for a new multimillion-dollar Ozarks Technical Community College building that will be named after him.

The event marked the ceremonial start of construction for the Michael L. Parson Student Union, formerly called the Center for Workforce and Student Success, according to a news release. The name of the building after Parson was officially unveiled at the ceremony.

The state budget signed in June by Parson includes $46 million for construction of the center, Springfield Business Journal previously reported.

"I have always stressed that I believe in community college because for the vast majority of kids it is a place that fills the gaps,” Parson said in the release. “As legislators, all we want to do is make things better for the next generation, and that's why we are here today. It is about people changing their lives for the betterment of our state, and it all starts at educational facilities like these."

The 100,000-square-foot, three-story building at Chestnut Expressway and Sherman Avenue would be a student hub for amenities such as the Hamra Family Library, career and tutoring center, fitness center, food court, bookstore and student plaza. Plans additionally include the Bailey Family Welcome Center, Rick and Karen Hughlett/Rick’s Automotive Family Workforce Lounge and Judy and Mike Breeding Clocktower.

“This project is about more than a building. It is about creating a vibrant campus environment with endless opportunities. We are profoundly grateful to Gov. Parson for his tireless support for OTC and our students,” Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon said in the release. "This space is another facility that will help make the Ozarks Tech experience the best it can be.”

DeWitt & Associates Inc. is serving as general contractor for the project designed by nForm Architecture LLC, and Dake Wells Architecture Inc. designed the clocktower. With completion targeted in summer 2026, the estimated project cost is $48.5 million, said Donna Barton, director of communications for Ozarks Tech. Officials have said the remainder would be funded through Ozarks Tech's capital reserve fund.