April 15, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri will host ceremonies celebrating two groundbreakings and a grand opening on Friday, April 18, 2025. Both events are open to the public, and members of the media may register to attend.
The Michael L. Parson Meat Science Education and Training Laboratory Groundbreaking
WHAT:
Mizzou will celebrate a groundbreaking of The Michael L. Parson Meat Science Education and Training Laboratory. The laboratory will further enhance the capabilities of the nationally regarded College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources by providing new tools and technology for leaders and workers in the meat processing industry. Read more details about the project.
WHEN:
Friday, April 18 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE:
1024 Ashland Rd. Columbia, Missouri
WHO:
Speakers include:
- Christopher Daubert, vice chancellor and dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
- Mun Choi, University of Missouri president
- Chris Chinn, Missouri director of agriculture
- Todd Graves, University of Missouri Board of Curators chair
- Mike Kehoe, Missouri governor
- Bryon Wiegand, director of the Division of Animal Sciences
- Mike Parson, former Missouri governor and the building’s namesake
**NOTE** Media members who wish to attend must RSVP no later than April 17.
Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab Phase One Grand Opening and Phase Two Groundbreaking
WHAT:
University of Missouri leaders will celebrate the grand opening of phase one of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab and break ground for phase two of the project. Read more about the 34,200-gross-square-foot addition to the lab.
WHEN:
Friday, April 18 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE:
1520 East Rollins St. Columbia, Missouri
WHO:
Speakers include:
- Srinand Sreevatsan, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine
- Mun Choi, University of Missouri president
- Chris Chinn, Missouri director of agriculture
- Todd Graves, University of Missouri Board of Curators chair
- Mike Kehoe, Missouri governor
- Shuping Zhang, director of the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
- Justin Brown, Missouri state senator
**NOTE** Media who wish to attend must RSVP no later than April 17.
