Campus Updates

From expanded healthcare training in rural Missouri to bold investments in student success, the arts and campus infrastructure, UMKC is evolving with purpose. This past year, the university unveiled major projects that aligned with its mission to empower students, strengthen communities and fuel innovation. Whether you're a returning Roo or just joining us, there's never been a more transformative moment to be part of UMKC.

Volker Campus Updates

Conservatory Expansion (Olson Performing Arts Center)

UMKC is planning a 35,000-square-foot addition to the Conservatory, including ensemble rehearsal spaces, dance studios and a Blackbox theater. Historic areas such as White Recital Hall will be renovated to create flexible, collaborative arts spaces.

    • This project is expected to break ground in 2026 and reach completion in mid-2028. The first phase of construction is estimated at $35 million.
    • The first phase includes the new addition, which would house a large music ensemble performance and rehearsal space, two dance rehearsal rooms and support spaces for the dance program and a new, accessible black box performance space to be used by all three programs. The addition of the black box space will create a “theatre district” complementing White Recital Hall, Spencer Theatre and the McIlrath Lobby.

Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative

Opened in May 2025 on the 4th floor of Miller Nichols Library, this 30,000 square foot hub centralizes key student support programs.

    • Supplemental Instruction, Peer Academic Leadership, FirstGen Roo Scholars, KC Scholars, Bloch Scholars and more programs are housed here.
    • Funded by the Victor Wilson Trust, Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation, Bloch Family Foundation and a $250,000 gift from Professor Emeritus Elizabeth Noble.

Atterbury Student Success Center (Student Success Complex Phase Two)

In May 2025, renovations began at Atterbury Student Success Center and are expected to be complete in 2026.

    • The renovated space will be home to Admissions, Advising, the Center for Transfer Students and Adult Learners, Roo Advising, Career Services, Professional Career Escalators, University College and International Student Affairs. It will also include an inviting Welcome Center with a two-story atrium to host prospective students and their families.
    • UMKC’s robust Career Services programming will expand to add a Professional Wardrobe Studio, giving students a place to browse and try on professional clothing options as well as take headshots for job interviews.
    • UMKC Central, a one-stop shop for students, and the Financial Wellness Center, are both moving from their current location at the Administrative Center to the newly renovated space.

KC Streetcar Extension

The KC Streetcar line now has its southernmost stop at UMKC, with service fittingly launched on World Kangaroo Day, Oct. 24, 2025. This fare-free transit option enhances connectivity between the Volker Campus and downtown.

Haag Hall Mural Preservation

UMKC continues to value cultural heritage through the 2025 restoration of the six large panels that make up the Don Quixote murals in Haag Hall, a work that holds personal significance for Julián Zugazagoitia, director of our neighboring Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, whose grandfather was a close friend and fellow soldier of the artist during the Spanish Civil War.

Health Sciences Updates

Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building

The university’s largest capital project is underway: a five-story, 160,000-square-foot facility that will include dental clinics, medical simulation labs and classrooms, biomedical engineering spaces, the Health Equity Institute and the Data Science and Innovation Center (dSAIC).

A unique partnership between state funding and philanthropic support with a targeted opening of 2027, this building will enhance interdisciplinary education, encourage collaboration and serve as a regional healthcare anchor.

School of Medicine — St. Joseph Campus

The $14.5 million, 22,000-square-foot state-of-the art building opened in August 2025. The school has been training rural healthcare providers since 2021 in partnership with Mosaic Life Care.

This new physical location embodies the university’s commitment to increasing access to medical education and healthcare in rural areas to improve lives across Missouri and beyond.