JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) celebrated a major milestone in the construction of its new building with a topping out ceremony on Friday, marking a significant step forward for the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center.

“Today we are reminded that we are not building just a building, we’re building the future,” said Carlos Haley, MSSU Board of Governors chair. The ceremony saw Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe sign a steel beam that would be placed as the final piece of the structure.

“This steel beam will be the last one placed on what will become the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center, which is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU president.

Governor Kehoe, alongside Dr. Van Galen, joined in the ceremony to mark the completion of a significant phase in the project. "A topping out ceremony is a tradition that dates back centuries, and is rooted in ancient construction practices,” Dr. Van Galen explained.

The ceremony not only commemorated the completion of a major construction phase but also provided a moment to reflect on the impact this new facility will have on students, the community, and the future of healthcare in Joplin and beyond.

“It gives the school a chance to say ‘thank you’ to those who helped get the project to this point,” Dr. Van Galen said. "And reflect on the impact this building will have on our students, our community, to move Joplin and the region forward, especially in healthcare.”

The new building will focus on hands-on learning, an essential component for students pursuing careers in health science fields where there is a growing demand for skilled professionals.

“This building is part of our commitment to be a state-wide leader in healthcare and health science,” Dr. Van Galen said.

Governor Kehoe emphasized the importance of practical training in today’s workforce. “It’s critical when you talk about workforce development to actually give that hands-on training, and then to work with employers, and specifically this university does a great job in the healthcare industry space,” he said.

While there is still much work to be done before the building's completion, the final beam symbolized a promise that had already been fulfilled.

“We have made a purposeful choice to build upon our strengths to distinguish ourselves in the health and life sciences,” Dr. Van Galen stated.

He also shared his vision for the future of Missouri Southern and its role in shaping the region's future. “We want Missouri Southern to be the place where students from this region stay and grow their careers, and a place where students from around the state and region come to for an amazing education in healthcare and health science,” he said.

The Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center will provide MSSU students with state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on training opportunities in healthcare fields, including nursing, medical imaging, and laboratory sciences. As the demand for skilled healthcare workers continues to grow, the new building will help address the regional and statewide need for qualified professionals. The center will also serve as a hub for research and collaboration between students, faculty, and healthcare providers in the area.

In addition to enhancing educational opportunities for MSSU students, the center is expected to drive economic growth in the Joplin area by attracting healthcare professionals, researchers, and companies that rely on a skilled workforce. The project is seen as a critical investment in the region's future and will help ensure that the local community remains at the forefront of healthcare education and innovation.

The topping out ceremony also highlighted the importance of community involvement and collaboration in making the project a reality. Local businesses, contractors, and supporters have all played key roles in the construction process, and their contributions were acknowledged during the event.

As work on the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center continues, the community remains excited about the potential impact of the new facility, which will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of Joplin and the broader region’s healthcare sector.

Originally reported by Jeremiah Cook in KSN 16 Four States Home Page.