Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for May 16, 2023

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It has been just over a year since I announced we would begin a two-year transformation plan to ensure we are meeting modern post-secondary needs. The Board of Governors supported the approach and it includes all areas of the university.

Over the next few months, I’ll provide more information about many areas of the plan. Today, I’ll focus on the academic realignment plan, which was a primary topic of our Town Hall last Friday.

You can read the complete details on the academic realignment plan website as I reference portions below. My intent here is to convey my excitement on a few of the outcomes and changes that will collectively shape the academic transformation.

Key highlights

Darr College of Agriculture (DCOAG)

Darr is focused on enhancing its statewide prominence and I’m excited by the vision from Hospitality Leadership and its move to Darr as we go from farm to fork in addressing food, forage and natural resources. The two new schools offer a laser focus on the science and business/education sides of agriculture.

Departments will be combined into two schools within the college. Our build-out of the approximately $6 million Agricultural Innovation Hub projected for completion in 2025, comes at a perfect time for this college as it morphs in addressing 21st century needs. My thanks to Dr. Melissa Bledsoe for assuming the interim dean role and Dr. Chin-Feng Hwang for taking on the chancellorship of the Mountain Grove campus. I cannot wait to see the changes ahead.

Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH)

Last December, we announced that the colleges of Arts and Letters and Humanities and Public Affairs would be combined to create a new college. I’ve attended a few combined RCASH functions as of late and it’s quite clear the transition has been smooth and enhanced collaboration is blossoming.

The opportunities for us to be a destination campus for the arts, to continue elevating strong programs like criminology and criminal justice and defense and strategic studies, and to be a trendsetter in protecting and investing in the arts, social sciences and humanities make me proud of our realignment efforts in these areas. A special thanks to Dean Vic Matthews for his 39 year of service – our very best to you, Vic, in retirement!

College of Business (COB)

COB is our largest college and we’re the university of choice in the Midwest for business students – so why rest on our laurels? I love the focus on expanding and enhancing our portfolio by having Economics join what will soon be known as the department of finance, economics and risk management. Merchandising and Fashion Design will move to the department of technology and construction management.

The synergies of the programs are evident and investing in them is as well. To exemplify, our new $1 million specialized lab complex in Glass Hall includes a merchandising and fashion 3-D lab and is slated to open this fall. Further, we are beginning an $8 million addition and renovation of Kemper Hall with its completion projected in fall 2024.

College of Education (COE)

We are the state’s leader in producing educators. The two new schools serve to enhance our strengths in teacher education and developmental studies and complement the Greenwood Laboratory School and Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning – and the soon-to-be-opened Center on Rural Education.

I appreciate the focus on proactive engagement communities. Our 1905 founding was based on being a normal school and serving agricultural interests. Combined with the Darr College of Agriculture, the changes within the College of Education will serve to strengthen our birthright programs.

McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS)

I fully support the move to five schools in the college – including three new ones – and the elevated focus on multidisciplinary and integrated practices complete with immersive student experiences and community integration.

The new School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences – with Counseling’s move to MCHHS and joining Psychology and Social Work – puts another stamp on MSU being a destination campus while addressing one of society’s signature needs. The other four schools clearly address critical workforce needs. And the proposed interdisciplinary major in Esports targets an explosive field of growth.

College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS)

I’m thrilled to see the creation of an interdisciplinary major in tourism – the state’s second largest industry and a program that is relatively non-existent in higher education. The move to make Geology, Geography, Planning and Sustainability a new school is something I hope we continue to do across other areas and I’m pleased that student pathways across the university will be clarified to assist students.

Our focus on STEM is obvious with our $145 million investment in Blunt and Cheek halls. By the way, construction on Blunt Hall is slated to begin next week!

Some of these changes will occur this summer; others will occur over the next 14 months. My thanks to all areas involved as I know the transition impacts offices and workflows across the university.

John Jasinski and I talk a great deal about the continuous evolution of academic affairs. I fully expect to see ongoing changes throughout the enterprise moving forward – as continuous improvement within organizations is just that – continuous.

Other changes

Beyond the colleges, many other changes are taking place within academic affairs and it is evident the pace of change over the past 10 months has accelerated our transformational efforts.

The Chief Academic Strategy Officer will be Dr. Ken Brown and he begins his duties June 1, 2023. Three provost fellows are being introduced for fall 2023: research – Dr. Paul Durham, research compliance – Dr. Amy Hulme and curriculum and learning – Dr. Subha Basu Roy.

Executive Vice President Zora Mulligan, MCHHS dean Mark Smith and John J. listened and took in a great deal from our advising community. Key changes in advising include structure (ensuring all colleges have advising centers), system – (invoking an early alert system) and people (providing baseline market pay for advisors).

Zora and our enrollment team, along with all those throughout academic affairs and all of you have focused on enrollment, and our preliminary fall 2023 projections – shared at Friday’s Town Hall – look solid. More on enrollment in the coming months.

Vice President Brad Bodenhausen and John J. listened to our researchers and those who are part of our research support system. Investments in research include the provost fellows, funding an additional position in the Office of Research Administration and a move toward an eventual innovation fund.

We began a journey of exploring a new learning management system late last November and we’re taking a proposal to go with Brightspace/D2L to the Board of Governors this week. We’ve already heard from a great number of faculty who wish to be early adopters of changing from our current system to Brightspace/D2L in the coming months. Thank you!

Summary

Our team gathered broad input throughout the academic realignment process. There are many more changes I’ve not addressed here. But let me summarize my take on what we’ve done in a short time and where we’re headed.

In crafting academic affairs as MSU’s strategic enterprise, we’re reallocating and investing in academics. We’re focused on raising our academic profile. We have $1.8 million for future academic investment. We have savings/reinvestment opportunities at the college level to the tune of about $600k.

We’re proposing to the Board of Governors a cost-of-living increase, retention payment and centrally-funded position adjustments. We’re investing in provost fellows, research, advising and a data warehouse. I took John J.’s challenge to fund investments in active learning classrooms and facility improvements. Combined with matches from the provost and deans, we have up to $5 million for these improvements.

Folks, we did all this and avoided program eliminations and protected filled faculty lines and administrative assistant positions. We reduced administrators and administrative costs. To be sure, we have some more to do as we have several study groups lined up to solidify further changes.

Transformation plan introduced. Transformation plan in full force in a short amount of time. Boom! Let’s keep going!

I asked for transformation and academic affairs produced. I can’t wait for the continuous evolution as we collectively focus on student success. We’re well-positioned to take that next organizational leap as we fulfill our statewide mission of public affairs.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State. Wrap up strong and we’ll see you at our spring 2023 Commencement ceremonies!

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

Clif’s Notes for Dec. 13, 2022

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I am in the process of meeting individually with state legislators from our area to discuss our priorities for the coming year.

On Thursday I will update the Board of Governors on those priorities and provide them with copies of our legislative materials. You can find the content of our updated legislative materials on the Legislative Advocacy webpage as well as talking points and a form to join the MSU Legislative Network.

Priorities for this legislative session

We have three priorities this year.

Our first priority is to increase MSU’s operating appropriation. The coordinating board sent a request for a 7% core increase for all universities to Gov. Mike Parson. We are in regular communication with the Governor and staff in his office as they work to determine whether to include the CBHE request in Gov. Parson’s budget recommendations in January.

Our second priority is for our MoExcels project this year. That project will expand our construction management program and construct an addition to Kemper Hall for a construction management lab. The coordinating board included this request in their package of capital projects for the year, and we are advocating that it be included in the state’s budget.

Our third priority is for a $35 million one-time appropriation to partially fund the second phase of redeveloping our science facilities on campus — completing backfill renovations in Temple Hall, renovating Cheek Hall, and constructing a biomedical sciences lab in Kampeter Hall.

Board meeting set for Dec. 15

In addition to a legislative update, the board will have several important discussions and action items on Thursday.

In committee meetings:

  • Forvis will present the results of our annual external audit during the Risk Management and Audit Committee meeting.
  • We will update the board on the status of campus facilities projects during the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting.
  • We will have a preliminary discussion about changes to college and student fees at the Programs and Planning Committee meeting.

At the regular meeting, the board will recognize the six students being honored as Citizen Scholars this year:

  • Morgan Blanck
  • Samara Mizutani Cesar
  • Milana Hainline
  • Blake Rief
  • Lindsey Sanderson
  • Orlondo X. Williams

The board will also receive a presentation about the Paras to Professionals Pathways program and vote on a resolution to establish a Center for Rural Education in the College of Education.

The board will vote on a resolution to set an $80 million project budget and award a construction management at risk agreement to The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company for the addition and renovation of the building currently known as Temple Hall.

The board will also discuss and vote on a proposal to rename the building Roy Blunt Hall and to name the atrium in the existing facility after Allen P. Temple. Next week’s Clif’s Note will discuss this proposal in detail.

The board will receive an update from Zora Mulligan and John Jasinski on the university’s work to develop and implement a transformation plan.

The board will vote on an Executive Committee roster, and Gov. Chris Waters will announce other committee appointments for the coming calendar year. As the incoming chair, Gov. Waters will chair the Executive Committee.

Based on conversations with Gov. Waters, I anticipate Gov. Lynn Parman will chair the Finance and Facilities Committee, Gov. Ann Kampeter will chair the Programs and Planning Committee, and Gov. Anson Elliott will chair the Risk Management and Audit Committee.

Finally, the board will vote on resolutions recognizing board members whose terms expire at the end of December. These members include Gov. Amy Counts, Craig Frazier and Carol Silvey. I have enjoyed working with each of these members of our Board of Governors, and the university is better because of their service.

We remain in communication with Gov. Parson’s office about appointments for these board positions and the other vacant and expired positions on our board.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!