Today, community members and legislators joined Ozarks Tech students, faculty and staff to celebrate the momentous final phase of the college’s master plan for the Springfield campus – a new student union focused on workforce development and student success.
The groundbreaking event supports the ongoing transformation of student life at Ozarks Tech. Since its inception, the college has largely focused on classrooms, labs and other learning environments. The new 100,000-square-foot, three-story building will be located at Chestnut Expressway and Sherman Avenue and will serve as a central hub for student-centered amenities such as the Hamra Family library, career and tutoring center, a fitness center, food court, bookstore and student plaza.
During the event, Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon announced the official name of the new building: the Michael L. Parson Student Union.
“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,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “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 project began with the college’s master plan development in 2019. The proposed Center for Workforce and Student Success building (its early working name) was imagined as a facility that would create stronger connections between the college, the community and students. Ongoing support from the state and private donors made the project a reality: this summer, OTC was the recipient of $46 million from the state – one of the largest appropriations for a Missouri higher education project this year.
“This project is about more than a building. It is about creating a vibrant campus environment with endless opportunities. We are profoundly grateful to Governor Parson for his tireless support for OTC and our students,” Higdon said. “This space is another facility that will help make the Ozarks Tech experience the best it can be.”
The groundbreaking celebration highlighted several unique features of the future Parson Student Union as well as generous community donations.
- The Bailey Family Welcome Center is set to become the most trafficked lobby on campus. This space will be synonymous with the college, serving as a central hub for tours, campus events and studying. By 2030, more than 7,500 students are expected to access this area daily. This center is named for Howard Bailey who has served as an OTC Foundation board member since 2023 and who previously established the Linda Mae Bailey Memorial Scholarship at the college.
- The Rick and Karen Hughlett/Rick’s Automotive Family Workforce Lounge will be a featured spot for both students and community members. As the entry point to the large Workforce Training Event Center meeting space that will be booked daily, this lobby will host breakout sessions for meetings as well as study spaces for students due to its proximity to the academic resource center. This versatile area has been designed to facilitate collaboration and learning and is named for Rick Hughlett who has served as a Foundation board 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 will stand as a flagship landmark for the Ozarks Tech Springfield Campus, prominently located on the plaza and visible from Chestnut Expressway. In the evening, the tower will be illuminated, and the base will honor the college’s rich history with a walkable path featuring engraved names of alumni and staff. This is named for Judy Breeding who has served as a Foundation board member since 2001 and has established the Judy Breeding Accounting Scholarship in addition to capital gifts.
“This facility and its unique spaces will make the Ozarks Tech Springfield Campus more than just a place to learn, but also a place where our students can belong,” said Higdon.
The Michael L. Parson Student Union is anticipated to be complete in summer 2026. To follow the construction progress, visit otc.edu/studentcenter.
