The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law will receive $3 million of a $15 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation for the renovation of its classrooms and student services areas.
This year, the school is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its building. Recently, the law school’s two courtrooms and its collaborative library space have been upgraded and a new entrance driveway and parking area was built. The progress now continues with a reorganization of spaces to better meet the needs of both prospective and current law students and a much-needed renovation of two classrooms.
“Our building was ahead of its time when it was built, with fully functional courtrooms and student offices that are located just a few steps away from faculty offices in suites that function as learning communities,” said Dean Barbara Glesner Fines. “This gift will allow us to update our classrooms to reflect the collaborative and student-centered teaching that tomorrow’s legal education requires.”
The renovations include two large classrooms, seating 52 and 80 students, and the admissions and student success suites. The renovation also involves public spaces on the ground and first floors of the building, providing improved signs, furnishings and wall displays.
The projects should be completed at different times over the next two academic years.