Ozarks Technical Community College is moving forward with construction of the institution’s new Center for Workforce and Student Success, following the approval of the state’s FY 2025 budget by Missouri Governor Mike Parson.
The project, which is estimated to cost $60 million, was approved June 12 by the Ozarks Tech board of trustees. The college will receive $46 million from the state – one of the largest appropriations for a Missouri higher education project this year. This funding will allow for the construction of a 100,000 square-foot building that will be the new home of academic support and workforce training. The building will also include student-centered amenities, including the library, career and tutoring center, a fitness center, food court and bookstore.
“We are grateful to Governor Parson and value his office’s continued support of our strategic plans and commitment to students and workforce development,” said Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon. “We are excited to create a center that will be the heart of excellence and learning for our students for decades to come.”
The facility will be an anchor on the west side of the Springfield campus and will sit at Chestnut Expressway and Sherman Avenue. A construction partner for the building, which is projected to formally open in fall 2026, will be approved by the board in August. The finalization of this project will mark the completion of the college’s master plan for the Springfield campus.
The balance of the project will be covered by private donations, grants and college capital funding.
Specifically designed to help equip students for academic and career success, the three-story Center for Workforce and Student Success will include:
- Dedicated space for academic support services, including writing, language and math tutoring, computer labs and library services, as well as a variety of study areas
- Space to host career fairs with local employers, mock interviews, apprenticeship outreach, resume writing and career development
- Facilities to provide special training opportunities for local employers, the community and the college
- A central gathering area accommodating up to 650 students for lectures, presentations, community events and special ceremonies
- A new bookstore, food court, and multi-purpose room to allow for a variety of fitness and wellness activities.
In addition to the new center being created to address the demand for comprehensive support, the project will also include a student plaza that will extend from the heart of campus to Chestnut Expressway, transforming parking lots into a pedestrian-friendly core. It will create a safe, walkable environment that connects the campus with Silver Springs Park and downtown Springfield. The student plaza will offer covered outdoor seating for dining and studying, food trucks, recreational activities and areas for both academic and personal development. The building and student plaza will replace a parking lot, but due to new lots opening this fall on the north side of campus, students and employees will ultimately see the amount of campus parking increase.
“Ozarks Tech continues to excel in recognizing and delivering what students need to be successful,” said Board of Trustees Chair Paula Adams. “This is another milestone the college and community can be proud of. We want to thank Governor Parson and the legislature for recognizing and supporting our mission and the value the college brings to the region.”
Groundbreaking for the Center for Workforce and Student Success is planned for late September.
To follow the construction progress, visit otc.edu/studentcenter.
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