Gov. Mike Parson was already on the stage Thursday when Ozarks Technical Community College Chancellor Hal Higdon realized he had not yet made the big announcement.
"I was supposed to do something first but I think it's better this way," Higdon said. "Because I want him standing up here."
Parson was the last person slated to speak before the groundbreaking for what was to be known as the Center for Workforce and Student Success.
Higdon said the yet-to-be-constructed building facing Chestnut Expressway, just east of Sherman Avenue, will be called — by unanimous agreement of the Ozarks Tech Board of Trustees — the Michael L. Parson Student Union.
"Well, I wasn't expecting that," Parson responded.
Higdon said it was in recognition of the support Parson provided during his six years as governor and state funding allocated to the college's projects during that time.
"We're going to look at this as the golden era of infrastructure funding for workforce development in higher education, both two-year and four-year, and it is going to pay dividends long after all of us are gone," Higdon said.
The pre-groundbreaking ceremony, under a white tent and sunny skies, marked the final phase in a multi-year master plan for the Springfield campus.
The three-story, 100,000-square-foot project will consolidate services and serve as a central hub for students. It will be home to the Hamra Family library, career and tutoring center, a fitness center, food court, bookstore and student plaza.
"The completion of a master plan, the beginning of a building like this, does not happen without a great deal of input from our community," Higdon told the standing-room-only crowd.
The $48.5 million project, which includes $46 million in state funding , will accommodate up to 650 students for lectures, presentations, community events and special ceremonies.
"The state-of-the-art facility will be a hub for students to come together, collaborate and support one another," said Paula Adams, chair of the Ozarks Tech Board of Trustees.
Adam Pyle, chair of the OTC Foundation Board of Directors, said fundraising for the project will continue. He announced three of the naming-level gifts that have been made:
- The Bailey Family Welcome Center. By 2030, more than 7,500 students are expected to access this area daily. Named for Howard Bailey who has served as an OTC Foundation board member since 2023 and established the Linda Mae Bailey Memorial Scholarship.
- The Rick and Karen Hughlett/Rick’s Automotive Family Workforce Lounge, an entry point to the Workforce Training Event Center meeting space. Named for Rick Hughlett, a foundation member since 2006 and Rick’s Automotive, which has donated to Ozarks Tech sponsorships, scholarships, student support and capital projects.
- The Judy and Mike Breeding Clocktower, a landmark for the Springfield campus of Ozarks Tech. Along Chestnut Expressway, it will be illuminated in the evening. The base will honor the college's history with a walking path featuring engraved names of alumni and staff. Named for Judy Breeding, foundation member since 2001 who made capital gifts and established the Judy Breeding Accounting Scholarship.
Mayor Ken McClure remarked how much the Ozarks Tech campus has changed under Higdon's leadership. He called Springfield a hub for higher education and noted 45,000 students are enrolled in different colleges and universities in the city.
Of Ozarks Tech, McClure said: "Three terms come to mind: Flexibility, repurposing, refocusing."
McClure cited a slew of recent projects and the new student union.
"Ozarks Tech has stepped up continually to meet that need in our community and we're grateful for that," he said. "So, with that, congratulations on behalf of the City of Springfield. We are so proud to be the home base for Ozarks Tech but more importantly, so proud to be a partner in what you do."
In closing remarks, Parson said the naming gift was much appreciated and will be meaningful to his entire family. He said credit for the the progress at Ozarks Tech, and at public higher education institutions in Missouri, belongs to so many.
More: Missouri State University sees record enrollment for Springfield campus, system
"It's much more than just one building, it's about people changing their lives for the betterment of our state, to give people an opportunity to stay in our state ... to recruit people to our state," Parson said. "And it all starts right here in these kind of education facilities in the state of Missouri."
Parson, who will serve until the winner of the Nov. 5 election is sworn in, said this was likely his final groundbreaking at Ozarks Tech as governor.
"I can't wait to see more kids come through these doors, swing through these doors, and figure out where their life is going to take them," he said. "I'll tell you, we're all going to be better off because of what we're doing, on days like today, preparing for those next generations."
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozarks Tech breaks ground on student union to be named for Gov. Mike Parson
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