By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – MSU-Northern is hosting the Montana University System’s Board of Regents meeting, which began on Wednesday at the Vande Bogart Library.
Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel provided a welcoming speech for the dignitaries in attendance and showcased plans to create new facilities.
One of these ambitious proposals is the Aurora Complex, which Kegel says now has an estimated price tag of $14 million. It would be attached to Tilleman Field and feature classrooms, a recreation and health center, and more bleachers for gameday seating.
“It’s not about the athletes at all,” Kegel told the Board of Regents. “In fact, I would tell people that that stadium we built, it wasn’t about football. It’s more than football. I’m a football guy, but honest to God, it wasn’t about football.”
Kegel says they are in the planning stages and he has asked for authority to use funding through Long Range Building Planning. He says that the building will be funded with state dollars and through private donations.
Kegel argues that the creation of the Aurora Complex, along with an Equine Center, would be a “game changer” to help boost student enrollment and retention.
“I just want you to see and understand why. Because it’s ‘More Than,'” said Kegel, referring to the slogan Northern is using as part of their fundraising campaign.
The Board of Regents meeting is expected to conclude early Thursday afternoon.
