As we kick off another fall semester, our campus is buzzing with the familiar energy of students returning to residence halls and classrooms. It’s a reminder of why we’re all here — to provide exceptional educational opportunities that transform lives and strengthen our community.

Welcome Weekend 2025 was an outstanding success! From Maroon Madness, Bear Bash, Greek Street and the Student Organization Festival to so many other events and gatherings, our campus was alive with energy, connection and Bear pride. Our Bears truly showed up in full spirit.

From helping students move in to working at the events, thank you to the faculty, staff and students who worked behind the scenes to make it all happen. And a special shoutout to the office of student engagement for leading the charge. You set the tone for a fantastic year ahead.

I’d also like to thank everyone who welcomed our students this summer through SOAR and URSA. For many students, this is their first experience with Missouri State.

The excitement of this weekend is a reminder of what makes this community so special. Let’s carry that momentum forward.

Authority to offer research doctorates

In May, I shared wonderful news about the state legislature’s passage of legislation that would allow us to offer research doctorates. You may have seen media coverage about this over the summer. If you didn’t, I’m pleased to share that Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the legislation.

The bills grant Missouri State University the authority to independently offer Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs. This removes the University of Missouri system’s exclusive authority to grant research doctorates and represents a major milestone for our institution.

We’re deeply grateful to bill sponsors Sen. Jill Carter, Sen. Brad Hudson and Rep. Don Mayhew, along with Sen. Lincoln Hough, House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley, Rep. Melanie Stinnett, Sen. Sandy Crawford and every legislator who championed this legislation. We also thank Tom Strong, Missourians Improving Higher Education and all advocacy groups that supported this legislation.

This achievement reflects years of dedicated advocacy by legislators, community leaders and higher education supporters who recognized the importance of expanding doctoral education opportunities in Missouri. We’re deeply grateful for their tireless effort on behalf of our university and region.

This new authority allows us to develop doctoral programs that directly address workforce needs — in southwest Missouri and beyond. For our faculty, it opens doors to enhanced research opportunities and the ability to mentor doctoral students in their areas of expertise. For our community, it means stronger partnerships with industry and access to the advanced research and innovation that doctoral programs bring.

As we begin discussing which programs to develop first, we’ll prioritize those that maximize regional workforce impact while building on our existing academic strengths.

Thank you all for your continued dedication to our students and our mission. Together, we’re writing an exciting new chapter in Missouri State’s history.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff