UNIVERSITY REVISES PLAN FOR 21ST CENTURY

Southeast Missouri State University has big plans for the proposed River Campus. The new polytechnic building is important to the university's future as well. These two projects are just part of the university's recently updated master plan that could bring big changes in the coming years.

When it comes to thinking big, the university leads the way. But the university doesn't just stop at big dreams. It finds a way to accomplish its goals with the help of partners throughout the region and state.

Southeast unveiled a 20-year master plan in 1996. It estimated that the university would need an additional 150,000 square feet of space if enrollment reaches the university's goal of 10,300. Today, a little over 8,000 students attend Southeast.

Slowly but surely, the university has chipped away at the target of 10,000 students. The polytechnic institute and River Campus could provide a big boost to achieving that enrollment goal.

Southeast is positioning itself to be an educational leader in the 21st century. Much of that vision comes from the top. President Dale Nitzschke is fervent about the university's potential. That outlook is echoed by administrators, staff, faculty and students throughout the campus.

The polytechnic building is on track for opening in 2001. The university has secured state funding for the building, and construction should begin in the fall.

River Campus funding is still up in the air, but the project received a major boost last week from Jefferson City. Gov. Mel Carnahan added $4.6 million for the project into his budget. Now the funding must win legislative approval.

These two campus projects spurred the update in the master plan. Southeast officials told regents that these two projects could solve 75 percent of the university's future space needs. It means the university wouldn't go back to the state for many years with other new building plans. Southeast, however, would seek state funding to renovate a number of existing buildings for other uses.

Development of the River Campus and the opening of the polytechnic building would spark a number of departmental moves at the main campus.

The university's master plan takes a look 20 years into the future and provides a road map for future development and service. With a reasonable plan in hand, the university is working to better extend higher education opportunities to the region.