$50 Million Gift Powers New Energy Innovation Center at Mizzou
Published: 4:17 pm Friday, September 4, 2026
COLUMBIA — The University of Missouri has begun construction on a new interdisciplinary research facility to tackle the nation’s energy challenges, funded by a historic $50 million donation. This marks the largest single contribution ever made to a school or college at the university.
David Payne, a 1983 electrical engineering graduate, made this substantial gift to the College of Engineering. The donation will support various initiatives, including academic programs, student assistance, and faculty research, along with significant renovations to Naka Hall, home to the electrical engineering and computer science department. In honor of his contribution, the department will be renamed the David L. Payne Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
The Payne Energy Innovation Center, a 116,000-square-foot facility, aims to unite campus researchers to develop innovative solutions for energy production, storage, security, and delivery.
Todd Graves, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, emphasized the center’s potential, stating, “This investment strengthens the university’s mission by preparing tomorrow’s workforce and creating lasting economic impacts across the state for generations to come.”
Payne, who has spent over 40 years in the electrical industry, has led PayneCrest Electric since 1985, expanding its reach to serve nationwide commercial and industrial clients.
University President Mun Choi highlighted Payne’s dedication to energy research, stating that his support will help advance pioneering work and prepare future leaders in energy.
This donation propels Mizzou’s Power the Roar fundraising campaign past the halfway point of its $2 billion goal, reaching a total of $1.1 billion since its launch last fall.
The new center responds to the growing pressures on the nation’s energy systems, with global energy demand expected to double in the next quarter-century, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, alongside challenges like aging infrastructure and cybersecurity threats.
Initially, researchers will focus on areas such as advanced energy materials, artificial intelligence, and grid security, leveraging Mizzou’s strengths in nuclear energy and materials science. This project builds on earlier support from Jim Fitterling, a 1983 mechanical engineering graduate, who contributed $10 million to help kickstart the plans for the energy center.
Marisa Chrysochoou, dean of the College of Engineering, stated, “This facility will unite world-class expertise to accelerate discoveries and create transformative energy solutions.”
The center’s focus will extend beyond engineering, integrating public policy, agriculture, and business experts to explore how new technologies can benefit communities in Missouri. Dean of the College of Arts and Science, Cooper Drury, expressed that Mizzou has a unique opportunity to influence energy technology and its societal impacts.
The Payne Energy Innovation Center will involve collaboration between the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Science, and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, with insights from other disciplines such as law, business, and journalism. Expected to open in fall 2028, the facility aims to attract leading faculty and researchers in energy-related fields.
Christopher Daubert, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, noted, “The energy solutions of tomorrow will significantly affect resource management and community development.”
Mizzou is recognized as Missouri’s flagship land-grant university, part of the Association of American Universities and the Southeastern Conference. Ninety-five percent of Mizzou graduates find work or continue their education within six months of graduation. The university’s Columbia campus has over 31,000 students and is home to the University of Missouri Research Reactor, the only facility of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
