As summer approaches, what I appreciate most about this time of the year at Missouri State University is that it captures the full picture of who we are.

While the rhythm is different without a full crowd of students, our campus remains active and engaged. We’re a place of learning, a partner to our community and a university committed to opportunity in all seasons. Whether it’s students taking summer classes, children attending camps or families visiting campus for the first time, each experience matters.

Learning continues

Summer classes will be in full swing, offering students a variety of options and the chance to stay on track, get ahead or explore something new. Many courses are available online or in hybrid formats, so students have the flexibility to balance work, travel or internships while still making academic progress.

For faculty and staff who get an opportunity, please remind students of key upcoming deadlines so they don’t miss them.

Welcoming future Bears

We’ll also welcome our newest Bears and their families for SOAR sessions. They’ll visit campus to register for classes, meet with faculty and advisors, and begin building the connections that will enrich their Missouri State experience.

What stands out most is the energy and sense of possibility. SOAR reflects who we are at our core, grounded in our public affairs mission and our commitment to student success from day one.

Camps that connect us to our community

One of the most visible signs of summer at Missouri State is our wide range of camps and programs for children and teens.

From academic offerings like the DNA Camp and Missouri Fine Arts Academy to skills camps such as Bands Alive and Missouri State Debate Institute, participants will learn by doing, guided by experts in the field. In addition, our sports and recreation camps, including Camp Claw, provide important opportunities for youth to stay active and have fun while supporting families across our area.

These programs do more than fill summer schedules. They introduce students to college life, connect them with faculty and staff and help them imagine what their future could look like.

Construction ramps up

Summer is also when much of our behind-the-scenes work takes place. Construction projects like Blunt Hall and the Clifton M. Smart University Advancement Center will draw closer to completion. Maintenance and improvements move forward, too.

You may also notice a few temporary traffic and pedestrian changes in the weeks ahead. Carrington Drive Circle closed on May 9 for replacement work that will occur through June 1.

Beginning this week, construction activity around the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex will bring phased closures to portions of the north lane of Grand Street and nearby sidewalks as crews complete stormwater and sidewalk improvements, with additional changes continuing through July. During this work, the tunnel will eventually close and a new crosswalk will open to help maintain safe access to the parking lots south of campus.

Please plan ahead and I appreciate your patience and flexibility during this time. All this work helps us get ready for the fall semester and continues to build a campus that serves our students and community for years to come.

Thank you to the faculty, staff and student employees who support all that happens on campus during the summer. Your efforts ensure Missouri State remains vibrant, welcoming and forward-looking.

University Council highlights

Last week, University Council received updates on several topics, including the West Plains campus. Those updates included increased summer enrollment; preliminary feedback from the recent Higher Learning Commission evaluation indicating the West Plains campus probationary status will be lifted; and progress on its strategic plan, which should be finalized in the next few weeks.

The group also learned about the exciting work of the Student Retention Team, led by Dr. Jeff Foster and Dr. Tom Kane, to help improve student retention rates at Missouri State. The effort highlights the importance of financial aid, emotional connection to campus and community, and other factors in students’ decisions to stay. It also underscores the role we all play in making Missouri State the institution of choice for our students.

Finally, the group received brief updates on recent policy changes related to FERPA and summer financial aid enrollment requirements. For more information, including the full presentations, please check out the University Council website.

Let me close by thanking all the organizers and everyone who participated in last week’s commencement. Your hard work, dedication and Bear spirit made it a great success and a memorable celebration for our graduates and their families.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff