Next week we’ll celebrate all Missouri State University staff during Staff Appreciation Week June 15-19.

Our staff members are the backbone of the university. Every day, you support our students, serve our campus and help us fulfill our mission. Your dedication makes Missouri State a special place. Thank you for all you do!

I hope you’ll take time to enjoy the activities planned throughout the week and feel how appreciated you are — not only by me, but by our campus and community.

Special event for staff and faculty

One new family-friendly event to highlight is Bears Supporting Bears from 4-6:30 p.m. Monday at The Old Glass Place. All staff, faculty and guests are invited to join us for an evening of appreciation and community. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. It’ll be a great opportunity to gather, connect and celebrate our university community.

I also want to thank our University Advancement colleagues for organizing this event. The time and effort you’ve put into creating a meaningful celebration are greatly appreciated.

As we continue our work on our strategic plan, “Igniting Opportunity,” one of our goals is to be an institution of choice for students and employees. That goal is supported by a strategy to intentionally design a culture of connection, recognition and purpose. Staff Appreciation Week is one small way we can live out that commitment.

University Council highlights

Here are the items discussed at last week’s University Council meeting:

We reviewed preparations for the June 11 Hot Rod Power Tour stop on campus, which will bring thousands of visitors to Missouri State and provide an opportunity to showcase our university to a national audience. Thanks to the many teams working behind the scenes to ensure a safe and successful event.

As a result of the event, there will be parking and traffic changes that day. Please plan ahead so you’re prepared. More information is available on University Safety’s blog.

There was an update comparing our faculty and staff salaries to CUPA benchmarking data. The report showed that salaries remain competitive in several areas, particularly when adjusted for our region’s cost of living. At the same time, the data highlighted opportunities for continued progress as we work to recruit and retain exceptional employees in an increasingly competitive higher education market.

We also heard about the growing impact of Missouri State athletics in raising awareness of the university. Measurable increased television viewership, social media engagement and exposure in key markets are helping introduce the university to new audiences while building pride among our students, alumni and supporters.

In a legislative update, the state budget includes flat core funding for public higher education. Lawmakers also tasked the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development with proposing a new higher education funding formula by Dec. 1, with a greater emphasis on enrollment and performance rather than historical funding levels.

For more information, including the full presentations, visit the University Council website.

It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff