Missouri State Announces Plans for New Alumni Center, President Clif Smart as Namesake

Missouri State University will soon begin work on a new building that will house the Alumni Association, with the building being named after current MSU President Clif Smart.

The Clifton M. Smart III Advancement Center will be built at the corner of National and Bear Boulevard, across from the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center.

The plan was made possible by a wealth of donations, including a seven-figure pledge by an anonymous donor.

The donation was made in honor of President Smart, who will be stepping down this summer.

The approximately $20 million project will begin in 2025, with hopes it will be completed by the summer of 2026.

Smart said Friday, “I was stunned to learn someone had given an anonymous lead gift to name the advancement center in my honor. I have loved being president of this university and am so pleased my name will be forever associated with it. Thank you.”