Special note: Town Hall

Please plan to join us in the Plaster Student Union theater for our fall 2026 Town Hall meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 4. I look forward to seeing many of you there! 

It’s Homecoming time

Missouri State University’s Homecoming weekend returns Nov. 13-14, and I’m ready to enjoy one of my favorite traditions of the year. Our university advancement and student engagement teams have done a fantastic job planning for a great week of celebration and recognition.

It’s always inspiring to feel the energy on campus as we celebrate our traditions, reconnect with friends and share our Bear pride. 

This year’s student-selected theme, “Bearchella,” brings a music and festival vibe to campus. The theme will be featured throughout the week’s events, including the Homecoming Parade on Nov. 14.  

I encourage you to take advantage of the many events planned for this year’s celebration. Whether you’re returning to campus or celebrating Homecoming for the first time, there’s something for everyone. 

Celebrate traditions and create new memories

There’s plenty to enjoy before game day, including family-friendly activities, reunions and opportunities to celebrate what makes Missouri State special. 

We’ve already sold out a game this season. Let’s do it again and fill Plaster Stadium as our Bears football team takes on New Mexico State on Nov. 14. I hope you’ll join me in making this a memorable Homecoming weekend!

Here’s a look at some of the events you won’t want to miss. 

Schedule of events

Nov. 11: University Advancement Center Ribbon Cutting

Join us as we celebrate the official opening of the newest addition to our campus, the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center. We’ll host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house with tours.  

The project was completed just 19 months after breaking ground and will welcome Bears of all ages and stages in life. This is an exciting milestone for Missouri State, and I’m excited to see this new space become a place for our university community to connect. 

Nov. 13: Class of 1976 Reunion

We’re celebrating 50 years since the Class of 1976 graduated! Graduates can relive the moments that shaped their lives, from memorable campus days to lifelong friendships. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the lasting impact of their time at Missouri State. 

Nov. 13: Bear Nation Celebration

Kick off Homecoming weekend at this event! Everyone is invited to explore the new Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center, enjoy food and drinks, and experience Springfield’s first-ever pyro drone show. 

Whether you’re a faculty or staff member, student, parent, alum or friend of Missouri State, join us for an unforgettable start to Homecoming weekend as we celebrate a new home for Bears of all ages.

Nov. 14: Homecoming Parade

One of our favorite Homecoming traditions returns! Gather your family and friends, wear your maroon and white, and find your favorite spot along the parade route for a morning filled with music, school spirit and Homecoming excitement. 

Nov. 14: Golden Bears Reunion

This reunion brings alumni together to celebrate campus memories and lasting connections formed more than 50 years ago. A Homecoming tradition since 1978, the event offers an opportunity to reminisce, reconnect and make new memories.

Nov. 14: Homecoming Tailgate

No Homecoming is complete without the Missouri State Alumni Association tailgate. For the first time, all of Missouri State’s academic areas will celebrate together under one huge tent. 

No matter their field of study or graduation year, alumni can reconnect with old friends, catch up with faculty members, visit with deans and celebrate everything that makes Bear Nation special. 

Homecoming is a great example of aligning with “Igniting Opportunity,” particularly its goals for student and alumni experience and branding and identity.  

I hope you’ll be part of one or more of these events and all the other activities happening across campus. Homecoming is a great reminder of what makes Missouri State special: our people, our traditions and the connections that bring generations of Bears together. 

It’s a great day to be a Bear! 

Biff