The Department of Agriculture at Southeast is working to enhance its horticulture program by building a new greenhouse complex. The first phase of the expansion calls for a new 11,000-square-foot greenhouse plus a head house (work building) to accompany it. The second phase calls for building a classroom laboratory building, an arboretum, walkways and turf management facilities.

"We are very appreciative of the gift Union Planters Bank has made towards this project," said Dr. Wesley Mueller, chair of the Southeast Department of Agriculture. "With their support, we hope to expand and significantly enhance our greenhouse complex as the University moves toward launching an Innovation Center for Plant Life Science."

Total cost of the first phase of the project is $650,000. Thus far, about $400,000 has been raised. The Southeast Missouri University Foundation will match all donations toward the project one for one, up to $144,000.

University officials say the horticulture program is expanding because of increased student interest and the increasing importance of the industry to Missouri. The program is important to incoming students, people working in the industry seeking continuing education opportunities and also those who want to be better gardeners and landscapers.

The horticulture program has outgrown its present greenhouse along New Madrid Street, west of the Student Recreation Center, Mueller said.

The current greenhouse has about 5,500 square feet. The new greenhouse would be located on a 17-acre plot behind the University's new softball fields at Bertling and Sprigg, with access from Bertling.

For those interested in contributing to the project, a number of naming opportunities also are available, Mueller said. For more information on the opportunities or to make a contribution, call the Southeast Missouri University Foundation at (573) 651-2252.