Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for Nov. 28, 2023

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I hope you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving last week. The holidays are upon us!  It’s hard to believe the fall semester is almost complete.

Board of Governors Executive Committee meeting

We held the November Board of Governors Executive Committee meeting on Nov. 15 – the third Thursday of the month. We hold in-person BOG meetings in February, May, June, August, October and December.

In the other months, we hold an Executive Committee meeting via Zoom to approve, as needed, various items on a much-abbreviated agenda. Mostly, these items tend to be timely procurement projects with costs that exceed $250K. Any board member and the public can attend these meetings; however, only the four members of the Executive Committee are allowed to vote on the various requests.

The Executive Committee comprises the board chair, vice chair and two other BOG members.

The November meeting agenda

In the November meeting, revisions to the governing policy G8.09 Operating Funds Cash Reserves Policy was approved, increasing our cash reserves minimum limit from $40 million to $50 million for the university system.

Also approved at the meeting were bids and award of a contract for the Agricultural Innovation Hub at the Darr Agricultural Center, as well as proposals and award of contracts for sidewalk improvements on the Springfield campus.

In closed session, the board approved the purchase of the Grizzly Lofts in West Plains, to take ownership of this residence hall the university has managed since 2017.

It was a quick meeting that allowed the university to move forward with some timely projects.

Last call for open enrollment

Don’t forget, open enrollment for medical, dental, vision and cafeteria/flexible spending plans close on Dec 1. If you don’t make changes to medical, dental and vision, your choices for last year will automatically roll over.

Cafeteria/flexible spending plan elections must be completed annually. These don’t automatically roll over.

You can also receive a discount on your medical premiums by completing wellness incentive activities.

The next few weeks are a busy time on campus. Be sure to take a few moments here and there to take a deep breath and reflect on all we’ve accomplished in the last year.

You can also watch What’s New at MSU to get a good recap if you can’t remember everything.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Oct. 24, 2023

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I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy Homecoming festivities last week! There was something for everyone.

Board of Governors meeting

Homecoming also means a Board of Governors (BOG) meeting. There was a lot of information presented and decisions made — some new business and some recurring business we cover at every October meeting.

Let’s start with the fun stuff.  The board approved recipients of the Bronze Bear and the Government Excellence awards.

John Goodman is our 2023 Bronze Bear recipient. An alum and generous donor, he’ll be honored at the Dec. 15 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, where he’ll be the featured commencement speaker.

Gabe Gore is our 2023 Government Excellence recipient. An alum and former BOG member, he’ll be honored at the Dec. 15 1:30 p.m. commencement ceremony, where he’ll be the featured commencement speaker.

Other items that were approved by the board include:

  • Revisions to the Constitution of the Faculty.
  • Bids and award of contract for the addition and renovation at Kemper Hall.
  • Consultant and authority to enter into an agreement for professional services in conjunction with the renovation to Cheek Hall.
  • 2024 BOG officers.
    • Governor Lynn Parman, chair
    • Governor Tim Francka, vice chair

Don’t forget, BOG meetings are open to the public. If you want to learn more about the board and future meetings, visit the BOG website.

Wall of Fame Ceremony

Immediately following the BOG meeting, we walked over to the PSU Ballroom to celebrate our 2023 Wall of Fame recipients. It was a privilege to honor this wonderful group of emeriti employees:

  • Bradley Fisher, PhD.
  • Gloria Galanes, PhD
  • Mary Kay Hunter.
  • Dave MacKay.
  • Robert Lee Norton, PhD.
  • John Wall.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Sept. 26, 2023

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Here are several things of note I’d like to share this week:

Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame

On Sept. 8, the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame inducted five new honorees. These inductees were selected as citizens with a connection to the state of Missouri who serve as examples of global citizens. This is a group of people who positively impact their community and society at large.

This year’s honorees included John Ashcroft, a dedicated public servant;, Father Moses Berry, an Eastern Orthodox Church priest; Tom Carlson, a community leader and founder of a nonprofit news outlet; Lt. Gen. Karen Dyson, a retired three-star general; and Rachel Mack Robinson, a trailblazing entrepreneur.

The Hall of Fame selection committee will begin its job soon in identifying the next group of Missouri-connected citizens worthy of this honor.  You can help them by nominating an individual whom you think meets the criteria.

Presidential search committee

On Sept. 20, the Board of Governors met for a special session to approve the proposed presidential search committee members. They are:

Board members

  • Lynn Parman, board vice chair 2023/board chair 2024.
  • Jeff Schrag.
  • Chris Waters, board chair 2023/board past chair 2024.

Community/alumni

  • Rob Fulp, 1979 (chair).
  • Amy Counts, 1994 (vice chair).
  • Trevor Crist, 2001.
  • Ryan Sivill, 2006.
  • Greg Spears, 1981.

Faculty/academic leadership

  • Kim Church, director – School of Accountancy (College of Business).
  • Doug Gouzie, professor – Geography, Geology and Planning (College of Natural and Applied Sciences).
  • Shannon Wooden, professor – English (Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities).
  • Barri Tinkler, dean – College of Education.
  • Shurita Thomas-Tate, associate professor – Communication Sciences and Disorders (McQueary College of Health and Human Services).
  • Beth Walker, professor – Animal Science and Faculty Senate chair (Darr College of Agriculture).

Administration

  • Brad Bodenhausen, vice president, Community and Global Partnerships.

Staff

  • A’dja Jones, assistant director of athletics, Inclusive Engagement and Student Services.
  • Laura Derrick, project manager-architect and Staff Senate chair.

Students

  • Bradley Cooper, student governor.
  • Elizabeth Simcoe, student body vice president, Student Government Association.

West Plains

  • Crockett Oaks, associate vice chancellor, Business and Support Services-West Plains campus.

State of the University address

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the State of the University at 12:15 p.m. Oct. 2 in Plaster Student Union Theater.

I’ll spend the first 20 minutes or so highlighting university accomplishments during my tenure and reporting on final census results. The last hour will be devoted to gathering input from you regarding your thoughts on the requirements for the next president.  This discussion will be led by Rob Fulp, the search committee chair, community leader and MSU alum.

If you’re unable to attend in person, join via Zoom.

Finally, don’t forget to complete the presidential search community survey on the search website. The search committee would like to get your input.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Sept. 12, 2023

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Last week was a big week for me. Retirement is a big step, especially when you’re leaving a job you love. Luckily for me, it’s not happening tomorrow.

I have several months before it takes effect and I plan to savor and enjoy each and every moment along the way. I plan to finish strong so the next president has a good starting point.

So, what happens now?

Presidential search

First, you can find all the details of the search for my replacement on the presidential search website.

The Board of Governors is required to approve the search committee. That vote will take place on Sept. 20 at a board meeting. The search committee will then convene for the first time during the following week, where they’ll receive their charge from BOG Chair Chris Waters.

Here’s the timeline for the search:

DATE TASK
Sept. 6, 2023 President Smart’s public announcement to retire in 2024; application window open
Sept. 20, 2023 Search committee approved at the Board of Governors meeting
Oct. 2, 2023 Qualifications input forum from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in the PSU Theater/via Zoom
Nov. 1, 2023 First date of consideration
November-December 2023 Search committee meets to select semi-finalists
January 2024 Search committee conducts semi-finalists interviews
February 2024 Finalists will be on campus for interviews
March 2024 Board of Governors selects new president

The search committee will be very interested in your input regarding qualities for the new president.  You’ll have two opportunities to provide this at the beginning:

  • Via a survey found on the presidential search website.
  • At the State of the University address on Oct. 2 (in-person and via Zoom).

Introducing new board members

Speaking of the Board of Governors, I’d like to welcome our two newest members – Melissa (Missy) Gourley replacing Carol Silvey in the Eighth District and Travis Freeman replacing Amelia (Amy) Counts in the Second District.

Thank you to Carol and Amy for their fine work and leadership over the last several years. It’s been a pleasure working with them!

Plan to attend

It’s fall, so there’s a lot going on. Next up is the Public Affairs Conference from Sept. 26-28. I’ll cover that in more detail next week – but go ahead and mark your calendars. You won’t want to miss it.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Aug. 15, 2023

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Last week, I shared the fiscal year 2024 Action Plan presented to the Board of Governors during its most recent meeting. Today, I’m covering topics discussed during the remainder of that meeting.  

Funding formula for public colleges and universities 

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development commissioned a study that could change the way state funds are allocated to public colleges and universities. The study, conducted by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS), identified “adequate” levels of funding each institution needs to conduct basic operations, offer academic programs and serve students. The funding levels were based on peer institutions identified by NCHEMS and each Missouri institution’s unique mix of programs and students.   

To no one’s surprise, the study concluded Missouri State needs an additional $53 million a year to achieve adequate funding. Further, Missouri State is the most underfunded public university in the state as a percent, despite our recent $10 million+ in appropriations. 

The Department of Higher Education is working with the governor’s office and legislators to determine next steps. The report could be used to make funding recommendations for the FY 2025 budget and would likely be phased in over several years. We hope to use the report as leverage to again increase our state funding. 

Executive Vice President Zora Mulligan and MSU-West Plains Chancellor Dennis Lancaster served on an advisory committee to provide study feedback as it was developed. 

WP action plan 

The West Plains campus presented their action plan. Similar in structure to the Springfield campus, they will focus on: 

  • Reaffirmation of the Higher Learning Commission accreditation.
  • Recruitment and retention. 
  • Residential student housing. 
  • New and enhanced academic programs.
  • Facilities – including the completion of the nursing simulation lab in Looney Hall and the start of construction of the ASCEND student center. 
  • Athletics. 
  • Financial resources. 
  • System coordination. 

Operating reserves 

Governing policy G8.09 determines how operating funds cash reserves are handled and maintained at Missouri State. 

As directed by its Board of Governors, the university has established cash reserves for its operating funds requiring a minimum level of $40 million be maintained for the university system, which at the time was roughly equivalent to three months operating expenses.   

We’ve recently reached a record level of reserves thanks to former CFO Steve Foucart’s strategic management of our funds. The discussion centered on re-establishing a minimum level after experiencing significant inflation over the last several years.   

A major part of that discussion focused on how the university might strategically allocate some reserves in support of current opportunities to continue raising the profile of Missouri State, while also addressing our backlog of maintenance and repair projects. 

Missouri State University Leadership Chair 

The Board of Governors voted Aug. 4 to grant the University Leadership Chair to Provost John Jasinski and Zora. 

The University Leadership Chair was established in 2008 by the Board of Governors under the leadership of Mary Schrag and is awarded every other year. The board awards the endowed chair to members of the university’s central administration who have demonstrated superb leadership. Recent recipients include Steve, Rachael Dockery and Suzanne Shaw. 

My annual review 

I received my performance evaluation from the board at the end of the meeting. It’s been a very successful year for the university, which the board acknowledged. The highlights, which I’ve shared with you over the last year in Clif’s Notes, include: significant progress on academic realignment, substantial gains in enrollment, continued strong levels of capital funding and appropriations at both the state and federal levels, and the conclusion of the Onward, Upward campaign, reaching a record $274 million.  

As with you, I received a 5% across the board raise and will receive a retention bonus on Dec. 31. 

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State. 

Clif