The Board of Trustees approved two real estate items: initiation of a cancer center and research institute project at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and exterior design approvals for Mississippi State University’s veterinary facility additions.

For UMMC, board staff recommended approval to begin the cancer center and research institute project, including use of the construction manager at risk (CMR) delivery method under Mississippi Code 31-7-13.2. The proposed facility would be an interdisciplinary building of roughly 200,000 gross square feet with an adjacent parking garage. The board packet sets the project budget at $5,000,000 for design fees (the packet notes funding will come from UMMC funds and philanthropic gifts). Board staff said the CMR method is justified for complex health‑care construction because it promotes early collaboration between designers and contractors and can better manage schedule and cost risks. Trustees approved the initiation and the CMR delivery method.

The board also approved exterior designs for Mississippi State University’s additions to the WISE Center: an equine hospital entrance, a farm animal hospital, and the Nancy Fairlink Laminitis Research Center and associated barn. The project budget is listed in the board materials as $33,000,000 and is described as funded through a combination of state funds and private gifts. Board staff recommended approval of the renderings and trustees voted to approve the designs.

Recusal and procedure: the meeting record shows Trustee Clark recused from the second real estate item concerning MSU; the motion to approve the UMMC item passed after a second and recorded "aye" votes.

Why it matters: The UMMC project is intended to expand clinical cancer care and research facilities in the state and could affect clinical capacity, research partnerships and philanthropic fundraising. The MSU veterinary additions support teaching, clinical service and laminitis research with a material budget impact.

What’s next: UMMC and MSU will proceed with design and procurement steps consistent with the approved delivery method and project budgets; additional approvals and funding decisions will follow as project planning advances.