SEMO breaks ground on Roy Blunt Health Professions Hall

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University broke ground Wednesday on the Roy Blunt Health Professions Hall, a new facility aimed at expanding health education and workforce development.

Former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt joined university leaders, students and community members for the ceremony.

The approximately 55,000-square-foot, three-story building will replace Dearmont Hall and house programs in allied health, kinesiology and sport sciences. The facility will include classrooms, laboratories, a gymnasium, offices and collaborative learning spaces.

University President Brad Hodson said the project will provide hands-on learning opportunities and help prepare students for careers in healthcare.

Officials said the project reflects growing demand for healthcare professionals in Missouri. State data shows healthcare support occupations are expected to grow by more than 11% by 2030, with practitioner and technical roles projected to increase by nearly 9%.

The building is named for Blunt, who helped secure a $10 million federal grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration to support the project.

Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2028.