UNIVERSITY: REGENTS OK SIKESTON CENTER ON CONDITIONS

Southeast Missouri State University's Board of Regents Wednesday approved design plans for a $4.5 million Sikeston Area Higher Education Center despite uncertainty over local funding for the project.

Board president Don Dickerson and regent Loretta Walker questioned if regents should approve building plans when Sikeston has yet to raise the local match needed to proceed with the project.

"My feeling is we are jumping the gun," Dickerson said. "We are about to commit to a $4.5 million building decision when we may not have close to the $4.5 million," he said.

In the end, the regents voted to approve the project provided that Sikeston voters approve a sales tax issue that is on the April 7 ballot and a formal contract is signed between Sikeston and the university regarding the center.

The building would be built on a 25-acre site at the city's new industrial park at the junction of Highway 61 and Route ZZ. The city has donated the land for the center.

Ittner, a St. Louis architectural and engineering firm, has designed a modern-looking building that closely resembles the larger, polytechnic building planned for the Southeast campus.

The building would be more than 33,000 square feet. The center would house classrooms, technology labs and an interactive television area. Classes would be taught by Three Rivers Community College and Southeast.

Southeast has received $1.5 million in state funding for the project. But that funding is contingent upon a local match.

Sikeston civic leaders are asking voters to approve a quarter-cent sales tax that would expire at the end of six years. The tax would generate an estimated $3 million.

Dickerson said the tax measure could fail. In that case, the project would be put on hold, said Dr. Ken Dobbins, Southeast's executive vice president.

Dobbins said the original plan was to build a smaller center.

Dr. Dale Nitzschke, Southeast's president, said the university can't and won't take a public stand on the tax measure.

Nitzschke said the center would be the premier facility in the new industrial park. The park would have direct access to Interstate 55 if the state builds a new interchange at Sikeston.

Board of Regents Agenda

Wednesday, March 25

* Swore in Tim Arbeiter as the new student regent.

* Reviewed campus building plans.

* Approved design revisions for the Student Recreation Center expansion project as well as the recreational complex at Sprigg and Bertling.

* Approved the design for new the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center.

* Approved a resolution that would allow for the future sale of bonds if the university proceeds with its construction plans.

* Appointed A.G. Edwards & Sons as the bond underwriter.

* Approved the scope of the annual audit.

* Heard a report on enrollment management.

* Approved a resolution honoring Christie Johnson on her just-ended term as student regent.