As we start the spring semester, I want to take a moment to welcome all of our faculty, staff and students back to campus. I encourage everyone to double their efforts in 2018 to make everyone feel welcome on our campus and a part of the Missouri State community.

Update on legislative meetings

Our legislative team has spent many hours over the past couple weeks meeting with legislators and attending events in Jefferson City.

Two weeks ago we hosted area legislators at our table at the Governor’s annual prayer breakfast. Last week we hosted 30 legislators from southwest Missouri at a breakfast event to highlight our legislative priorities. We also met with leadership in the House and Senate, the House budget chairman and staff, the Senate appropriations chairman and staff, the Commissioner for Higher Education and other critical policymakers.

Several themes emerged during these meetings. Legislators are very impressed with and complimentary of the work we have done at Missouri State. They are focused on pressing forward the legislative package that includes modification of our statutory degree restrictions. They are also interested in exploring other policy ideas that would benefit Missouri State.

During these meetings, we were also told that we should expect another very challenging budget in the coming year. Details on what that budget will include will begin to emerge soon when the Governor releases his budget recommendations.

Throughout the coming weeks and months we will actively monitor budget developments and advocate for the university’s interests in the state appropriations process.

Enroll in MSU LEAD’s supervisor series

Missouri State recognizes that developing leaders who are capable of shaping the future of the university is essential. As such, Missouri State University’s Leadership, Education and Development program (MSU LEAD) is our new development program designed to develop leaders at every level. Leading Others – The Supervisor Series is for any supervisor who completes an ADP for at least one direct report. I encourage every eligible supervisor to consider enrolling in this program.

The full schedule can be found in My Learning Connection, which can be accessed through My.MissouriState.Edu on your profile tab under Professional Development.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!