Missouri Western will upgrade a fitness center and cut arts funding.

The University announced more than $200,000 in renovations to the Baker fitness center, one day after announcing funding cuts arts programs.

The university will reduce the size of the Center for Community Arts in a cost cutting move that University officials say will allow the university to focus on core programs for children.

”To do that, we will unfortunately have to eliminate the personal enrichment courses we’ve offered to adults.”said Dr. Gordon Mapley, dean of the Western Institute.

Adult classes such as yoga, pottery and social dance will be eliminated.

”Unfortunately, budget realities require us to make difficult decisions, ” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. ”Missouri Western remains fully committed to seeing the arts flourish on campus and in the community, but this is a necessary step toward meeting the budget realities we face.”

The new Western Playhouse professional theater is expected to be self supporting and will not affect the budget.

The renovations to the Baker Family Fitness Center will cost approximately $220,000. The University Board of Governors accepted a bid Thursday from Brooner & Associates Construction.

”The renovations will make the fitness center more inviting and pleasant for the students, employees, alumni and Gold Coat Club members who get so much use out of it already,” said Kurt McGuffin, director of athletics. ”The project will also add a much-needed locker room for our woman’s soccer team.”

The accepted bid was the lowest of five St Joseph Contractors, according to University officials.

The project will be funded by Max Experience student fees and money set aside for renovation projects in the university’s auxiliary budget.