Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for March 21, 2023

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Happy Birthday, Missouri State

While students were enjoying spring break last week, the university marked its 118th birthday on March 17.

But did you know that in 1899 the State Fruit Experiment Station, located in Mountain Grove, was established by the Missouri Legislature? It remained a state agency until 1974, when it became part of what is now Missouri State University, making it the oldest segment of the university.

It’s just one of those little noted facts that makes the history of the university so interesting. Thanks to the hard work and dedication from many people through the years, we’ve risen from a Normal School for teachers to a state university granting professional doctorates.

There is still so much growth to achieve as our reputation continues to expand across the state and beyond. From Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) and the efactory in IDEA Commons to our newest combined college, we are doing great things for our students, Springfield and Missouri through the current efforts of faculty and staff.

Giving Day 2023

And you know, much of this growth couldn’t happen without the fundraising work of the Missouri State Foundation.

We held our second annual Giving Day over March 1 and 2. It was a phenomenal success.

The goal was to inspire 2,000 people to contribute to an area that meant the most to them throughout the university’s colleges, units, programs and athletics teams.

  • 2,179 donors participated from 45 states and 10 countries.
  • $1,604,181 was raised for 180 areas across campus.

Multiple programs across the university benefitted from Giving Day Ambassadors’ challenges.

It was a spectacular 36 hours of giving! I can’t wait to do it again next year.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State. And don’t forget, the official MSU Birthday Celebration will take place tomorrow from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Plaster Student Union.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for March 7, 2023

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As we approach the switch to daylight saving time this weekend, I find myself with a little more daylight in the afternoon and evenings. This allows me to take some time to observe what is and isn’t going on with current construction projects as I walk to meetings and events around campus.

Two projects come to mind because of their prominence on campus.

The Grand Avenue underground pedestrian crosswalk

This is a project that has been plagued by COVID-related supply chain delays, Missouri bedrock removal delays, ancient utilities to nowhere delays and then back to supply chain delays. At this point, I don’t think it would surprise Matt Morris, vice president for administrative services, if the crew returned with the discovery of a woolly mammoth.  But, of course, I jest.

According to Matt, we are nearing the finish line on this project. He is projecting everything will reopen in May. The underground pedestrian walkway will be completely accessible with a ramp from parking lots 22 and 24 on the south side and an elevator on the north side of Grand.

I’m excited for our students, faculty and staff, many of whom use this crosswalk on a daily basis.  Additionally, football fans, Tent Theatre attendees and many other visitors to campus will be able to enter campus via this safe, accessible and well-lit Grand entrance (pun intended).

Blunt Hall construction

We were thrilled to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the newly named Roy Blunt Hall (formerly Temple Hall) on Dec. 16, 2022. The plan was to move through the disruptive teardown and excavation work over winter break. However, the federal funding included several additional prerequisites that have required us to pause and address before starting construction.

Blunt Hall was built in 1971, which means it’s over 50 years old. This also means it’s eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic places. Due to the age of the building, its original condition and significant Brutalist architectural style, the original building has been deemed historically significant by the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office.

Consequently, we have been working with federal and state agencies to gain approval of the building addition. We are near an agreement with these agencies and are looking to finalize by the end of March.

If all goes well, the disruptive portion of construction will begin following spring commencement. In the meantime, the crews are completing prep work in and around the building to provide easier maneuvering and safe conditions (new sidewalks, construction entrances, etc.).

It is expected that construction on Blunt Hall will complete in spring 2025.

As I have noted in earlier columns, the remodeling and addition to Blunt Hall was a project that was sorely needed yet seemed completely out of reach given the funding required to bring it to fruition. It’s an exciting project and will be well worth the disruptions on campus. I look forward to observing the evolution of the new addition as I walk around campus over the coming months.

Speaking of looking forward – don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour this weekend!

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Feb. 28, 2023

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It’s that time of the year when we dig in on the budget planning process.

We actually start to think about the upcoming fiscal year budget in November and December.  We review inflation rates, enrollment, what discussion other institutions are having about pay raises, special projects, etc.

As a reminder, the university’s fiscal year (FY) runs July 1-June 30. We’re currently in FY2023.

Salaries and inflation

The Executive Budget Committee met for the first time two weeks ago. This committee is made up of faculty, staff, students and administrators. It will meet throughout the coming months.

Inflation has been the number one topic throughout the university budget discussions for FY2024. It’s not just about salary increases that will provide some relief for our faculty and staff. It’s also about increased operational expenses also being driven by inflation – utilities, insurance, cost of food (for dining halls), etc.

For comparison on the impact of inflation, below are inflation rates for the last 10 years. Clearly the last two years have been challenging.

  • 2013 – 1.5%
  • 2014 – 0.8%
  • 2015 – 0.7%
  • 2016 – 2.1%
  • 2017 – 2.1%
  • 2018 – 1.9%
  • 2019 – 2.3%
  • 2020 – 1.4%
  • 2021 – 7.0%
  • 2022 – 6.5%

Looking forward

In the February meeting, the board made it clear that faculty and staff compensation will continue to be a priority for the coming year.

Last year, they approved a 4% across-the-board raise that went into effect July 1, 2022. The board is considering another across-the-board increase that would go into effect July 1, 2023, with the possibility of reserves for additional merit increases.

We will discuss the budget with the board again in May and bring them a final budget for approval in June. The timing aligns with the final state budget presented to the governor by the legislators at the end of May.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Feb. 21, 2023

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On Feb. 17, the Board of Governors met, which was the first of five meetings held throughout the year. The other meetings occur in May, June, October and December.

In the other months, the board’s Executive Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month.

The board meetings are held so the governors can vote on resolutions that drive the general control and management of the university. These decisions may include:

  • Governing policies.
  • Hiring decisions.
  • Academic programs.
  • Long-range plans.
  • Real estate purchases.
  • Contracts greater than $250,000.
  • Budget.
  • Audits.
  • And more.

More information regarding the powers, role and responsibilities of the board can be found under governing policy G1.01-3 II.A.

There are 3 main standing committees – Risk and Audit Committee, Programs and Planning Committee and Finance and Facilities. Committee meetings are informational sessions that provide an opportunity for deeper discussions regarding upcoming resolutions.

Decisions voted on during the February meeting

One item the Board of Governors voted on during last week’s meeting was the purchase of property directly west of the Plaster Center (efactory) and south of the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center in IDEA Commons and adjacent to a university parking lot.

This purchase provides the university with the ownership of all property between the Plaster Center and JVIC. This property is well suited for future operational needs of the university.

The board also approved the revised academic calendar FY24 and FY25. As you may have noticed, the recent winter break for students seemed exceptionally long. This was a result of calendar adjustments made in the last several years.

Following a review of the calendar with all impacted constituencies – most importantly, our students – revised academic calendars for 2023-24 and 2024-25 were presented and approved.  This action returns the winter break to approximately four weeks, ending on Martin Luther King Day.

Another important motion voted upon was the establishment of The Center for Transformational Education for Life Physical and Health Science. This is a temporary structure to receive, hold and disburse construction funds throughout the life of the construction projects at Roy Blunt Hall, Cheek Hall and Kampeter Hall.

The center will be dissolved upon completion of these projects.

Updates and presentations

An initial review of the fiscal year 2024 budget was presented to the board. The budget will evolve over the next few months and will be presented for approval at the June board meeting.

I’ll have a more detailed review of the budget in an upcoming Clif’s Notes.

The current status of enrollment for fall 2023 was presented by Zora Mulligan. While it’s a snapshot in time, enrollment numbers are looking positive compared to last year’s numbers.

Athletics was the overall theme of the meeting. It started with a celebration of student athletes and their success on the field and in academics.

It ended with an overall review of athletics at Missouri State as presented by Athletics Director Kyle Moats. This review included a walk-thru of the new NCAA Division 1 rules.

New board member update

Our proposed new board members were scheduled to appear before the state Senate committee for confirmation on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

As a result of the success of the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, the hearing was postponed to Feb. 23 so legislators could attend the celebration and parade honoring the Chiefs.

Our proposed new governors, Tim Francka and Jeff Shrag, attended the committee and main meetings in an informal capacity.

Come to a BOG meeting

If you want to see the governing process in action, plan to attend a main meeting or committee meeting in the future. It’s a wonderful learning opportunity.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

 

Clif’s Notes for Feb. 14, 2023

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On Jan. 23, Gov. Mike Parson nominated two new potential members to the Board of Governors, local businessmen Jeff Schrag and Tim Francka.

Jeff Schrag

Jeff will fill the 7th District seat formerly held by Sen. Jay Wasson before he stepped down.

Jeff is the owner of three businesses including Mother’s Brewery.

In prior years, Jeff served as president of the Springfield Chamber and Community Foundation of the Ozarks. His wife Mary previously served on the Board of Governors.

There are two years remaining on this seat appointment.

Tim Francka

Tim succeeds Craig Frazier in the at-large seat.

Tim is an administrative director of long-term care for Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation based in Bolivar, Missouri. He has 34 years of experience in health care and administration.

He has served on numerous civic and professional boards and served for 18 years on the Marion C. Early School board. Tim is the Missouri delegate for the American Health Care Association. He is a past president of the association and has served on the board since 1995.

Tim graduated from MSU in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and general business. He is married to Beth, MSU ’90. They have two daughters – Samantha, MSU BA ’09 and MBA ’11, and Tabitha, Drury ’20. His daughter Samantha most recently worked for the university in international programs.

Tim will serve a six-year term.

Both Jeff and Tim will officially take their seats after they appear before the state legislative committee that oversees and approves state board appointments. The timeline requires that approval is received within 30 days of the original appointment by the governor.

Other board member updates

We have three other board members who have completed their terms – Gabe Gore, Amy Counts and Carol Silvey who represent the 1st, 2nd and 8th districts respectively. They will continue to serve until Governor Parson appoints their successors.

Suggest a topic

On a final note, in Clif’s Notes, we work hard to address ideas and topics that we think are important for you to know and understand. We have been doing this weekly for the last eight years. That’s a lot of information; and there are weeks when coming up with a topic is a little challenging.

If there’s something about the university that you would like to know more about (that we can address in about six paragraphs), drop me a line at President@MissouriState.edu. It’s great to get input and ideas from our readers.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif