Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams, President of Missouri State System, and the Missouri State Foundation invite the public to a dedication ceremony for the new Wulff-Risner Agriculture Science Center at 2 p.m. Friday, April 4, at 911 Creamery Road.

The event will honor Dr. Linda Wulff-Risner, professor of agriculture, who donated her 40-acre farm, Risner Stables, to MSU-WP to support, enhance and grow its agriculture programs. The property will be named the Wulff-Risner Agriculture Science Center in recognition of the Wulff and Risner families’ legacy of service and generosity.

“Linda’s passion for teaching and agriculture is evident in everything she does at Missouri State-West Plains,” said MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster. “Her generous gift ensures that her love for students and agriculture will continue to impact lives for generations to come. Her vision has become our vision.”

More about the center

The Wulff-Risner Agriculture Science Center will serve as the hub for MSU-WP’s applied learning courses in animal and plant science, consolidating the university’s agriculture programs into one location. The property includes two large stables, offices, a tack room, hay barn, storage and kennel areas, and a 7,200-square-foot indoor riding arena, providing ample space to expand current offerings and add new programs.

“This donation is truly transformative for our agriculture programs,” said Dr. Michael Orf, vice chancellor of academic affairs. “It will significantly expand the hands-on learning opportunities available to our students, allowing us to offer more comprehensive training and develop new programs.”

Wulff-Risner has taught agriculture courses at MSU-WP for nearly 30 years as both a full-time and per-course instructor. She has supported the university through numerous gifts toward the agriculture department, veterinary programs, scholarships, Garnett Library and Grizzly Athletics. She is a member of The Founders Club at Missouri State University and received a Platinum Medallion in 2024.

“My hope is that this gift will provide future agriculture students with the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences and hard work,” Wulff-Risner said. “It has always been my goal for this property to be a positive part of the community and a resource for agriculture education now and for years to come.”

For more information about the dedication ceremony, contact the MSU-WP advancement office at 417-255-7240 or email WPAdvancement@MissouriState.edu.

To learn more about agriculture programs at MSU-WP, visit WP.MissouriState.edu/Agriculture.