One of the best parts of my job as Missouri State University president is spending time with our students. 

During the past few weeks, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to do just that. And there’s nothing quite like having our students back on campus. 

I recently spent an evening with our Centennial Leaders. They’re a very impressive group of students – bright, engaged and excited about their futures. I left that evening energized by our conversations and eager to see what they’ll accomplish. 

We also hosted our Presidential Scholars. Once again, I came away impressed. These students have already achieved a great deal, and I know they’re just getting started. 

I’ve enjoyed meeting with student organizations and talking with students as I make my way around campus. I appreciate hearing what they’re excited about, what’s working well and where they think we can improve. 

I’m encouraged by how our students showed up in a big way for our first two football games this fall. Seeing the student section filled with Bears cheering on their team was a great reminder of what school spirit can do for a campus. That energy matters. It creates connections and makes Missouri State feel like home. 

More than 300 prospective students and their families joined us for our recent fall Showcase. I enjoyed seeing them explore campus, meet our faculty, staff and students and begin to picture themselves as part of the Missouri State community. 

There’s a place for every Bear

All these experiences reinforce something we emphasized in our strategic plan, “Igniting Opportunity.” We’re all working hard to ensure Missouri State thrives as an institution where students feel connected, get involved and take full advantage of everything a university experience has to offer. 

With more than 375 student organizations, athletic events, performances, service opportunities and countless other activities, there’s a place for everyone to get involved. 

That engagement is also an important part of our public affairs mission. Missouri State is a community of citizen scholars. Through ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement, our students are learning how to make a difference in their professions and in the communities they call home. 

Of course, creating an outstanding student experience takes us all. I offer a big thanks to our faculty and staff who teach, mentor, advise, coach and support our students every day. Your work creates the opportunities and experiences that make this university special. 

And to our students, I have one request: Get involved. 

Join an organization. Go to a game. Attend a concert or a play. Volunteer. Meet someone new. Try something outside your comfort zone. 

And when you see me around campus, stop and say hello. I mean it. I want to hear how things are going and what we can do to make your Missouri State experience even better. 

Having students back reminds me every day of the importance of our calling to serve the next generations of leaders in all walks of life.  

It’s a great day to be a Bear! 

Biff