MSSU unveils plans for the next 25 years - KOAM TV 7

Missouri Southern State University prepares for the future as the new master development plan is released.

For the university's 75th anniversary the first ever master plan is developed and put into action.  MSSU contracted RDG Planning and Design to help build a bigger and brighter picture for the school's future.

What is now the outside of Reynolds Hall on the campus will soon look a little different, with the new master plan.

Biology and bio-chemistry major April Black says improvements to the building she uses most will help her in the long run.

"I'd definitely like to see the labs improved, the classrooms are more comfortable but they could definitely use some work, mostly the labs, it'd make it a lot easier," Black says.

Improvements will also be made to the dorms on campus as well as adding greenery and a memorial of the May 22, 2011 tornado to the oval.

"The oval, which is really the heart of campus, is really getting a special emphasis as well but that whole emphasis as well kind of ripples out from there, making sure that all the facilities as up to speed with current technology and amenities but also making sure the outdoor spaces are adequate," says Jonathan Martin of RDG Planning and Design.

The plan was developed to help raise academic standards as well as the appeal of buildings on campus, something some students say was needed.

"When people take tours and everything they sometimes don't want to see the older buildings," says student Brion Pickett.  "They want to go inside and say 'yeah, I was the first person to sit in this desk or to take this class', so it would definitely help more people come to this school versus Pitt State.

"We know that it is time that we need to upgrade a lot of our facilities and to really plan for the future, things change, infrastructure changes, IT changes, facilities change, the needs of the students change, we need to change, as, as well," says Rob Yust, Vice President of Business Affairs.

Black says adding to the universities current campus, will bring in a lot more than just appeal.

"I think it'll attract a lot more students, it'll make the campus more attractive and show that we have a quality school here," Black says.

The plan will also include a trail connecting the university to Northpark Mall over Turkey Creek as well as adding apartment and family styled dorms for students.

The master plan will cost about $194 million.  The project is estimated to be finished in the next 25 years.