WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Missouri State University-West Plains has been given a significant gift from The Sunderland Foundation to help fund the new Veterans Center within Hass-Darr Hall.

For more than six decades, the Sunderland Foundation has focused its support on “bricks and mortar” projects involving construction, renovation, repairs and restoration of facilities, including higher education institutions primarily in Kansas and Missouri.

“We are thrilled to support the growth of Missouri State University-West Plains,” said Kent Sunderland, president of the Sunderland Foundation, which is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. “The fact that the funds will support veterans on campus is an even bigger win.”

The current veterans center, located on the lower level of the Garnett Library, will benefit from the much larger space within Hass-Darr Hall. The new space will have computer stations, a quiet “blackout” room where veterans can sit in an undisturbed environment, and a larger common area for studying and interacting with other veterans.

“Veterans are important to our campus, community and our country,” said Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett. “Our goal at Missouri State University-West Plains is to help them reach their goals. They served our country; we hope to serve them on our campus.”

The new center will insure that veterans receive individualized academic advising and counseling about available educational benefits, university officials said. University staff will be better able to address the special needs of military-centered students and families. These undergraduates face unique postsecondary education challenges that often detract from finishing an academic program, they added.

Additional funding for the Veterans Center has been secured by pledges from area veterans’ groups, as well as private or individual donors. Those wanting to give towards the veterans center or other initiatives at Missouri State University-West Plains, contact the development office at 417-255-7240.