JOPLIN, Mo. — Construction continues on Missouri Southern State University’s new Welcome Center – Roy Blunt Health Sciences building, a $48.2 million project designed to elevate healthcare education for students. On Wednesday, Newstalk KZRG and the MSSU Board of Governors toured the construction site for a first-hand look at the facility’s development.
“This new building really provides the space and equipment to support a true flipped classroom, immersing students at a higher level than we currently can,” said Dr. Sherry Whiteman, Allied Health Department Chair. “That’s really what’s transforming their learning experience.”
The building will include state-of-the-art classrooms and specialized training areas, such as a simulated hospital with critical care rooms, a NICU, and labor and delivery units. Additional facilities will include spaces for autopsies and dissections, as well as an in-home care simulation area to prepare students for real-world patient scenarios.
“The facility is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and hands-on healthcare experience,” Whiteman said. “Students will graduate ready to step into professional roles with confidence and competence.”
The construction will also feature the latest medical equipment, providing students with exposure to technologies and procedures they will encounter in modern healthcare settings.
The MSSU Board of Governors attended the tour to observe progress and assess how the building will enhance educational offerings. The facility is expected to open for classes in fall 2026.
“With this investment, we are reinforcing Missouri Southern’s commitment to producing highly trained, workforce-ready healthcare professionals,” said a university spokesperson. “The Welcome Center – Roy Blunt Health Sciences building represents a transformative step forward for students and the community alike.”
The project emphasizes hands-on learning, aiming to prepare students for careers in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments, while also supporting the university’s broader mission of community impact and workforce development.
Originally reported by Steve Scott in KZRG News Talk.
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