This is my final Clif’s Notes as Friday will be my last day in the office. It was suggested I use this space to say “goodbye,” but I’m not going anywhere.

Gail and I have made hundreds of friends through our work at Missouri State University and those relationships will continue after I’ve retired. And we plan to mostly live in Springfield and continue to be involved in our community.

We both currently serve on community boards and are engaged in charitable work, which I expect will increase. We plan to continue traveling (we’re leading an alumni cruise in October), following Bears athletics, attending university theatrical and musical performances, as well as spend more time with family. I may occasionally write something I hope will be of interest.

I’ll miss our daily interactions and my interactions with students, but I’ll be cheering for you from the sidelines. More great days are ahead for the university, and I’ll be back on campus to help dedicate Roy Blunt Hall, the new arts center (replacing the old Art Annex) and the Smart Advancement Center. I’ll also return to watch our first FBS home football game.

I’ve loved this job. But I’ve loved getting to know each one of you more.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif