By Alex Greenwood,
July 11, 2024
![extended reality Extended Reality student.](/news/extended-reality-mic.jpg)
University of Central Missouri students use technology in the Extended Reality project
at the UCM Lee's Summit location within the Missouri Innovation Campus. The UCM Extended
Reality project was ranked number one on the state legislature’s MoExcels candidate
funding list.
University of Central Missouri (UCM) leaders expressed their appreciation for Missouri
Governor Mike Parson and state legislators for developing a $51.7 billion Fiscal Year
2025 state budget that allocates a net core appropriation of $64 million to UCM. This
represents an increase of nearly $1.9 million in expected revenue to UCM for FY 2025,
bringing the University’s overall total operating budget to $178.4 million.
“Support for higher education is critical for creating an enduring, robust economy
for Missouri and for enhancing the well-being of all families,” said Roger Best, UCM
president. “I am confident that this investment in UCM will yield significant returns
for the state. We are grateful for the vision of Governor Parson and the confidence
of the Missouri Legislature in supporting UCM’s role in creating and securing a positive
future for our state.”
Best noted that the state budget provides UCM with a 3 percent increase in core funding
versus the previous fiscal year. Additionally, it includes MoExcels funding for the
Extended Reality project at the UCM Lee's Summit location within the Missouri Innovation
Campus. MoExcels funding supports the development and expansion of employer-driven
education and training programs, significantly boosting educational attainment. The
UCM Extended Reality project was ranked number one on the state legislature’s MoExcels
candidate funding list.
An additional $9.95 million installment of funding for the renovation and modernization
of the Humphreys Building on the UCM campus at Warrensburg is part of the state’s
Fiscal Year 2025 capital appropriations. This installment, along with prior funding,
comprises 100 percent financing by the state of Missouri for the $39.8 million project.
The Humphreys Building houses student support services such as the university’s counseling
and testing centers, and long-standing academic programs including Criminal Justice
and ROTC.
Learn more about the UCM Extended Reality project here.