New University of Missouri nursing school clears hurdle

The University of Missouri Board of Curators Finance Committee approved a plan for a new $30 million nursing school Thursday.

A programming study of the the current facility showed that the space is “inflexible” because of the structure of the building, according to board papers.

The project would include demolishing the existing nursing school and constructing a smaller, three-story building in its place.

The Sinclair Nursing School has been putting back money in its reserve funds over the past year to pay for the school. The school would pay $12 million and has received $10 million dollars for the project from private gifts and selling property.

MU Health Care will provide the remaining $8 million dollars, but some of that money is based on financial performance. If those funds are not received, alternatives sources, such as more land sales or philanthropy, will be used.

The project still has to go to the full Board of Curators, which meets again April 11, for final approval.