West Plains – Ozark Radio News spoke with MSU-WP Interim Chancellor Denis Lancaster about the upcoming fall semester at Missouri State University. The university has been making steps towards moving back to normal with the COVID-19 pandemic slowing down. Lancaster mentioned two new building expansions and new programs and certifications.
MSU-WP is looking to expand Looney Hall to allow educating more nursing students in late 2021. The expansion would allow another 30 students and add a 100-seat lecture hall on the south side of the building.
The second expansion will bring a new program as well. The old Coca-Cola building on Broadway will be converted into the Welding and Fabrication lab. This expansion will add parking as well as changing the interior of the building. The Welding and Fabrication program Pilot Cohort will start this fall with 10 students and offers a 9-month certification and a 2-year degree. The Welding and Fabrication program will be held in the GoCAT building while the Broadway facility is being converted.
MSU-WP will be adding the Behavior Health Support Assistant Program this fall. With the need for mental health rising in Missouri, the State of Missouri has changed the education requirements from a bachelor’s degree to an associate degree. The university has built this program with the assistance of private organizations and the State of Missouri to meet this need.
Lancaster spoke about the program:
