Former gov., state rep. attend ASCEND dedication

Missouri State University-West Plains, MSU-WP, held their dedication ceremony for the new Neurodiversity and Autism Center on Thursday, April 17. This event was attended by former elected officials, local leaders, university officials, and many community members. Speakers included former District 154 Representative David Evans, former Missouri Governor Mike Parson, former board of governors member Carol Silvey, and TJ Swift House owner Tracey Hollis. 

 

The facility houses the TJ Swift House ASCEND Program, which provides support for students on the autism spectrum so they can get the most out of a college education. Funding for the building was made possible through state, federal, and local funds. The university lists $7.5 million in state funding, $500,000 through the Howell County Commission in American Rescue Plan Act funds, and $2.5 million from the President's Enhancement Fund at Missouri State University in Springfield. 

 

MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster was the first speaker of the event. He thanked the many elected officials that helped secure funding for the project, as well as those that worked with the university to make this possible. He emphasized that very few states across the country, through their two-year colleges, have made this kind of investment, saying he believes “this is the first and only building of its kind on a public 2-year college campus in the entire United States.”

 

Former Governor Mike Parson spoke next, reiterating the importance of the center and how autism affects his family. “Those two (Eslinger and Evans) came to my office on different occasions and said, this is a very important to West Plains and this community. We all made the right decision by making sure this day would be possible.” He mentioned he has a great-niece who has autism. 

 

The Neurodiversity and Autism Center has many features to help accommodate those with autism-related issues. The 9,300-square-foot building features indirect lighting, textured materials on the carpets, walls, and furniture. For students who may become overstimulated, there are breakout rooms with sound-absorbing materials that are very quiet. The building also has a classroom space made to help support students that may require unique learning styles.