HILLSBORO, MO – Marking 50 years since its theater’s original construction, Jefferson College will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its newly renovated Fine Arts Building on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The event, themed “Golden Opportunity,” invites the community to experience a facility reimagined for the next half-century of creativity. The extensive project added 15,000 square feet to the existing facility, connecting the theater to fine arts academic spaces.
The renovation and expansion, designed by Paragon Architecture LLC and constructed by Brockmiller Construction Inc., represents an investment of $6.5 million into the regional arts landscape. The project was financed through responsible long-term funding strategies that did not increase taxes on the community, allowing the College to thoughtfully expand and plan for the future while continuing to maintain and enhance facilities that serve students, the community, and the broader region.
“This renovation is our commitment to the future of creativity,” said Dena McCaffrey, President of Jefferson College. “We have transformed this space into a functional, accessible, and inspiring home for every voice, every stroke of genius, and every shared moment of wonder”. Key features of the transformed building include:
- A Grand Lobby Entrance: A 9,300-square-foot lobby that encloses a former breezeway, creating a spacious “prologue” for visitors featuring a new box office and elevator.
- Expanded Artistic Showcases: An additional art gallery dedicated to the visual story, showcasing the work of students and community artists.
- Enhanced Performance Support: Upgraded practice spaces and a state-of-the-art rehearsal suite designed specifically for the music department.
- Universal Accessibility: Major interior renovations including modernized restrooms, a new elevator, and extensive site work to provide accessible parking and patron drop-off. A highlight of the ceremony will be the unveiling of the Center’s new logo. The design features a colorful, deconstructed version of the Jefferson County shape, symbolizing how the center radiates motion and creativity throughout the entire county.
Event Schedule – Wednesday, March 11:
- 3:45 PM: Doors Open
- 4:00 PM: Guest Speakers and Logo Unveiling
- 4:15 PM: Ribbon Cutting Finale
- 4:15 – 5:30 PM: Guided Tours, Live Entertainment, and Light Refreshments Attendees will have the chance to explore the new spaces, collect special giveaways, and witness the facility ready for its “standing ovation”. Speakers will include Jefferson College President Dr. Dena McCaffrey, Board of Trustees President Margie Passmore, Jefferson College Foundation Board Member Bob Francis, and Music Professor Joel Vanderheyden. Attendees will also enjoy music performances, food and drink throughout the afternoon. The community can experience a full schedule of events in the facility beginning in March.
A full list of performances and ticket information is available online at jeffco.edu/PACE. About The Jefferson College Fine Arts Center For over 60 years, Jefferson College has served as a hub for academic excellence and cultural enrichment. The renovated Fine Arts Center opening in 2026, connects the College’s theater and academic spaces with a grand lobby, music practice room, art gallery and box office. The Center is home to the Performing Arts & Cultural Enrichment (PACE) series, which brings more than 30 professional and student events to the community annually. The Center’s art gallery hosts a regular schedule of visiting and local artists and the theater provides dedicated space for College performances as well as local community performances, speakers and events.
About Jefferson College Jefferson College, with campuses in Hillsboro and Arnold, Missouri, offers five associate degree programs in four schools of learning with nearly 50 programs of study, as well as Workforce Training, Adult Education, Early College, an Area Technical School for high school students and certification programs in high-demand career fields. Since its first commencement ceremony in 1966, the college has celebrated approximately 30,000 graduates and maintains a 98 percent job placement rate. Learn more about Jefferson College on our website www.jeffco.edu