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MSSU News

MSSU Celebrates Student Life Center Grand Reopening

By: Felicia Vaught | Published: October 05, 2026 | Categories: Press Release
MSSU Celebrates Student Life Center Grand Reopening
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) celebrated the grand reopening of its renovated DianneDr. Van Galen addressing crowd with students standing beside him Mayes Student Life Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 7.

On the lower-level of the Dianne Mayes Dining Hall near the university’s residence halls, the newly renovated 13,920-square-foot space offers students more opportunities to relax, study, and socialize.

The updated center features a dedicated electronic gaming area, pool tables, modern study rooms, and a theater. The renovation also includes upgraded lighting, new furniture, and repairs to flooring and ceilings.

Students across campus had an opportunity to give feedback on what they would like to see in the new center.

“The gaming area has expanded a little, but one of the major differences is the glassed-off space for electronic gaming,” said Dr. Lisa Toms, MSSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Students will have more privacy to take online tests in computer rooms. And there are different types of seating areas with charging stations for socializing and studying.”

The grand reopening gave students, faculty, staff and other members of the campus community an opportunity to tour the renovated space and experience the upgrades firsthand.