Missouri Southern receives $750,000 gift from Bill and Tracy Gipson for Medical Imaging

JOPLIN, MO – Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) has received a $750,000 commitment from Bill and Tracy Gipson to support the university's medical imaging programs and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare.

A portion of the gift will establish the Gipson Family Medical Imaging Credentialing Awards, providing financial assistance to eligible students seeking professional credentials in specialized imaging fields.

The awards will help remove financial barriers for students while supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce to meet the growing needs of regional healthcare systems.

"We believe in what Missouri Southern represents and its commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers while meeting the needs of our region. The university's focus on health and life sciences is particularly important as the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow. We hope this gift will help remove financial barriers for students, provide access to the specialized training and credentials they need, and prepare them for successful careers where they can make a difference in the lives of others," said Bill and Tracy Gipson.

The Gipsons are longtime supporters and graduates of Missouri Southern. Bill has also served on the university's Board of Governors and the Missouri Southern Foundation Board. Today, they serve as co-chairs of the university's Lions Forward Campaign and continue to demonstrate their commitment to advancing the university and its students through significant philanthropic investments.

Their previous generosity includes a $1 million commitment to help launch Missouri Southern's master's degree program in data analytics, along with support for student scholarships and Lion Athletics.

"Bill and Tracy's extraordinary generosity has helped MSSU launch and sustain several innovative academic programs, ultimately making a difference in the lives of hundreds of students," said Dr. Dean Van Galen, president of Missouri Southern State University. "Their latest commitment to medical imaging aligns closely with the university's statewide mission, particularly its focus on health and life sciences and immersive learning. We are deeply grateful for their continued investment in Missouri Southern and our students."

Launched this fall, Missouri Southern's medical imaging offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging, along with specialized certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Developed in collaboration with regional healthcare providers, the programs are designed to address critical workforce needs while preparing students for rewarding careers in these specialized healthcare fields.

"The Gipsons' generous support has made it possible for MSSU to launch these critical, much needed programs. In a relatively short amount of time, graduates of these programs will be entering the workforce – we will see more sonographers (ultrasound technicians) and radiologic technologists trained in CT, and MRI technicians," said Dr. Crystal Lemmons, MSSU Dean of the College of Health, Life Sciences, and Education. "This is truly a remarkable investment in education, healthcare and ultimately our greater community."   

The Gipsons' commitment also advances Missouri Southern's new statewide mission, reinforcing the university's focus on health and life sciences, immersive learning experiences and global education. By investing in both student success and specialized healthcare training, their gift will help strengthen the regional workforce, support access to quality healthcare and create lasting opportunities for students and communities throughout Missouri and the surrounding region.