State Tech is taking the first step in what is envisioned to be the transformation of the Osage Country Club into an entertainment complex following approval Friday at a special meeting by the Board of Regents.
State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong explained that the first step in the transformation is the construction of an academic building to support the Commercial Turf and Grounds Management academic program. Next door to the new building will be the program’s laboratory, the Osage Country Club, which was taken over last May by State Tech, thanks to the forgiveness of a $215,000 loan by Mid-America Bank.
The new building will be 11,200 square feet and feature classrooms, laboratories, offices, and a greenhouse. Attached to the building will be a state-of-the-art driving range that will be open to the public.
An agreement was reached on March 8, 2020, with a unanimous vote of Osage Country Club Association members.
Since the May 1, 2020, takeover by State Tech, several improvements have already been made at the country club, including the acquisition of 20 new gas-powered golf carts. Grounds maintenance has been handled by Commercial Turf & Grounds (CT&G) Management alum Joe Miloro, and the management of the facility is handled by Zach Kucsik.
Several graduates of the State Tech Commercial Turf and Grounds Management program are working for professional sports teams, PGA tour golf courses, and premier landscaping companies. The program boasts a graduate with a World Series ring and another with a Super Bowl ring.
Dr. Strong noted that one of the highlights of the new building will be a banner wall displaying banners from the dozens of professional sports facilities at which State Tech students have been employed.
The vision for the entire complex will be presented at the next Regents meeting on June 25.