Mo. Rev. Stat. § 262.080: Procurement of buildings and grounds.

As soon as said experiment station is located it shall be the duty of the board of regents of Southwest Missouri State University to procure grounds, if not already donated, at the best advantage, either by donation or purchase, and to erect such buildings thereon for the use of said station; provided, however, they may lease buildings or buy them, if already built, separate and apart from the grounds, provided the grounds shall not be located more than one mile from said buildings.