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UMKC give updates on building initiatives, first gen students in State of the University

From the university’s biggest capital project in history to its largest class of first-time students to date, here’s what’s going on at UMKC.

A rendering of a large glass building with "UMKC" printed on its side, set adjacent to a walking path with bushes.

The Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building is the largest capital project in the university’s history. | Rendering via UMKC

At its State of the University, UMKC shared a few of its record numbers from the past year + updates on some major developments coming around the corner.

Like everything else in the metro, UMKC is growing fast. It saw the highest number of first-time students to date in fall 2023, as well as the highest retention + graduation rates in a decade, in part attributed to its First Gen Roo program.

The $120 million Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building begins construction in June, with sights set on a 2026 opening. The building will facilitate dental programs, medical programs, and research — with hopes for the university to receive an R1 research accreditation in the coming years, which only 146 four-year institutions in the country have.

Other projects, like the pedestrian plaza, streetcar stop, and Foodiverse food court, will also see updates in the coming year.

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