Money is the root of all building projects.

If there is no cash, there is no building. This is well understood by the members of the Board of Governors and before approving the bid on the new health sciences building they questioned the funding.

“If something terrible happens, we’ll have to find the money,” vice chairwoman Jane Wyman said

The building fund comes from the sale of Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) assets and Missouri Southern is not the only school in the state lining up for funding.

With the recent crunch hurting credit providers MOHELA is feeling the pain, posting an operating loss of $12.4 million in March.

The initial MOHELA funds transfer has been made, but Board members worried about the rest, as well they should.

The discussion ended with promises to investigate further. When interviewed a few days later both Dr. Bruce Speck, university president and Senator Gary Nodler (R-Joplin) felt that Southern’s interests were secure.

Southern has been repeatedly encouraged to expedite the project as much as possible in order to get to the front of the appropriation line.

The health sciences building makes two construction projects in the works. Now the University is looking at adding a third project in the athletic support facility.

The University raised fees and donations for the Beimdiek Recreation Center. They will have to find funds for the athletic expansion of baseball fields, building and eventual stadium. With these projects given the green light, Southern can ill afford to rescue the health sciences building should the state rescind its promises.

Money makes the world go ’round. Programs bring the students in. Buildings give the programs a home. Buildings cost money and the circle continues.

The promises are there and the Board has done their due diligence.