Infrastructure Task Force

Students working in library computer lab

Anticipated trends

  • Even with the advances in technology, most students will continue to seek the campus experience.
  • Keeping pace with new technology – online, wireless, mobile capabilities, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), etc. – as well as cybersecurity, will be difficult and expensive.
  • Addressing both new construction and deferred maintenance will be a challenge.
  • Sustainability will be an even higher priority for future generations of students.
  • With enhanced technology, teaching, learning, research and service will become more effective, connected and integrated. 
  • Costs for key resources (energy, water, etc.) will rise in the next decade.

Reaffirmations

  • In all areas of infrastructure, the University will continue its practice of assessing the current status, the needs for the future and the budget necessary to accomplish the goals.
  • The University will continue to advocate for additional funding for facilities.
  • Missouri State will continue to ensure accessibility to facilities and technology for all members of the campus community.
  • Sustainability will continue to be a priority for the University.

Major issues

  • In the 21st century, the technology infrastructure will shift quickly, making it difficult to stay current with emerging technologies and their support for users.
  • Improving facilities often involves a significant investment of dollars, both start-up and ongoing.
  • The Educational and General deferred maintenance backlog total has risen steadily and currently stands at $114.6 million (fall 2014).
  • Similarly, the demand for replacing and upgrading laboratory teaching and research equipment is an ongoing necessity to maintain strong academic programs.
  • Identity theft, cyberterrorism, online fiscal malfeasance and other Information Technology security threats will continue to increase and require additional attention and resources.

Vision

Missouri State University will provide its students and faculty with facilities and technologies that are current, adaptable and provide the foundation upon which teaching, learning, research, service and operations rely, while considering the importance of sustainability in all decisions.

Questions for the next long-range plan

  • Can the University develop a philosophy for facilities and emerging technologies that is flexible enough to accommodate emerging student preferences, as well as learning best practices?
  • What are the best options for reducing the deferred maintenance backlog?
  • What steps should Missouri State take to achieve more sustainable and efficient use of buildings and other infrastructure components of campuses?
  • Are there ways to better collaborate with the City of Springfield, Greene County, the region and the state on issues and opportunities related to physical locations, sustainability initiatives and networked information technologies?
  • Given that “content is king,” how can we develop better management and use of data and analytics to improve and advance the teaching, learning, research, service and operations of the University?

Participants

Tom Peters
Dean, Library
Chair

Richard Biagioni
Professor, Chemistry

Greg Burris
Community Leader, Springfield City Manager (Ret.)

Sara Clark
Director, Web Strategy and Development

Candace Fairbairn
Clinical Faculty-Instructor, School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences

Timothy Hogenkamp
Student

David Huggins
Graduate Student

Mike Kromrey
Community Leader, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks

David Meinert
Interim Dean, College of Business

Matt Morris
Associate Vice President, Administrative Services

Jeff Morrissey
Chief Information Officer

Sue Robinson
Associate Professor, Physical Therapy

Doug Sampson
University Architect Director, Planning Design and Construction

Scott Schneider
Director, Business and Support Services, West Plains Campus

Cathy Smith
Community Leader
Former Member of the Board of Governors

Gary Webb
Professor, Agriculture