Southeast Missouri State University officially broke ground today on the Roy Blunt Health Professions Hall, marking a major milestone in the University’s continued investment in health education, workforce development and student success.
Former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt joined University leaders, faculty, students and community partners for the ceremony celebrating the future home of SEMO’s Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Sciences.
The approximately 55,000-square-foot, three-story facility will replace Dearmont Hall and serve as a state-of-the-art hub for healthcare and allied health education. The building will include modern classrooms, specialized laboratories, a gymnasium, offices and collaborative learning spaces designed to mirror real-world healthcare environments.
“This facility represents the best of Southeast Missouri State University,” said University President Dr. Brad Hodson. “Working with legislative partners, in particular Senator Roy Blunt, we are building a modern, hands-on learning environment to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to step directly into careers strengthening Missouri’s workforce.”
The project reflects growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region and throughout the state. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), many professions supported by programs housed in the new facility are projected to see strong growth by 2030. Statewide, healthcare support occupations are projected to grow by 11.6% and healthcare practitioner and technical occupations by 8.7%.
The new hall is named in honor of Senator Blunt, whose leadership and advocacy for health and education helped make the project possible. Through his support, SEMO secured a $10 million award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“It’s a great privilege to be associated with this addition to the SEMO campus and what this facility will do to enhance the mission of the University,” said Senator Roy Blunt. “Healthcare advanced more in the last 25 years than in all the time before this century. I believe it will continue to change dramatically in the next decades and what people do in the healthcare professions will change as well. This building creates a place where SEMO can lead in that change.”
John Yount, a student in the program who spoke during the ceremony, said the new building will elevate the learning experience for current and future Redhawks.
“Students chose SEMO because of the hands-on experience and faculty support,” said Yount. “This new facility shows that the University is investing in us and in the future of healthcare in our communities.”
Construction of the Roy Blunt Health Professions Hall is expected to be completed spring 2028.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $10,000,000, with 65% ($18.4 million) financed with non-federal governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.