Office of University Communications 

Jordan Valley Innovation Center to be named for Congressman Blunt

SPRINGFIELD — When Missouri State University’s Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) opens next spring, it will bear the name of U.S. Congressman Roy Blunt. At its meeting today (Dec. 15), Missouri State’s Board of Governors approved naming the facility the Roy D. Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center to honor the long-time 7^th District Congressman.

JVIC, which occupies the former Missouri Farmers Association (MFA) milling facility at at 524 N. Boonville Ave., is scheduled to open in April 2007. JVIC houses the Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE) and the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences (CBLS). The university and the corporate partners in the two centers will focus on applied research in biomaterials, nano-technologies, advanced technologies, genomics/proteomics, bio-systems software engineering and bio-medical instrument development.

Blunt was instrumental in helping the City of Springfield acquire the facility as a Brownfield project. Since then, Blunt’s support was key to securing federal funds for renovation of the facility. In fiscal years 2005 and 2006, Missouri State received more than $12 million from the Department of Defense for phase one renovation. The Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Defense budget includes $2.6 million for phase two development.

“JVIC will create opportunities for the region’s job market that are new and distinct in Springfield, and serve as a high-tech center and major investment in the economic future of Springfield and southwest Missouri,” said Missouri State President Michael T. Nietzel. “The fact is that the JVIC facility would not have been possible without the substantial support of the federal government, led by Congressman Blunt. He shared the vision and has been steadfast in his support to make the vision a reality. This naming is very fitting.”

In fiscal years 2005 and 2006, Blunt also helped secure more than $14 million for defense-related research projects at the Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE), which will relocate much of its work to the new building. The Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Defense budget includes almost $8 million in funding for CASE research projects.

CASE is committed to the development of defense and safety-related advanced technology industries that have, or are planning, product development in Missouri. When completed, the JVIC site will include research space and equipment to efficiently move products from the laboratory to the “real world.”

CBLS will support Missouri-based life sciences and biomedical industries while enhancing educational opportunities through business-oriented projects and services. The center will provide engineering and technical support and conduct cutting-edge research and development to advance Missouri-based industries in the areas of health and safety.

Blunt was born, raised and educated in southwest Missouri, having received his master’s degree in history from Missouri State. During his political career, he has served as Greene County Clerk, Missouri Secretary of State, and was recently elected to his sixth term as a member of Congress. He was the youngest Majority Whip in seven decades.