October Board of Governors meeting highlights
I’m excited by all the advancements Missouri State University is making in achieving the goals of “Igniting Opportunity.” Our Board of Governors meeting last week was particularly focused on our positive momentum.
If I had to pick a theme to describe this most recent board meeting, it would be innovation – innovation in all areas of the university.
The new Innovation Institute
The board unanimously approved our Innovation Institute, which was born directly out of the strategic plan implementation team’s work. The institute will help add new horsepower to our experiential learning model by expanding our relationships across the state and nation with businesses, nonprofits and other organizations small and large.
We learned just how impactful this pursuit can be when we listened to the panel discussion at the kickoff session of the Public Affairs Conference hosted by the efactory. We heard exciting testimony from students and Springfield business leaders about the value of our partnerships that help students put theory into practice with real world experiences in the community.
Focus on enrollment growth
Enrollment will always be one of the university’s most important priorities. Our Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan gives us a coordinated approach to recruiting students and growing enrollment.
We remain committed to enrolling at least 20,000 degree-seeking students and 30,000 students overall by 2030, which is why we’re strengthening our enrollment management and marketing efforts. We’re expanding the reach of our messaging to tell the powerful stories of student, faculty and alumni achievements and connections.
Demographic changes mean colleges and universities are competing for fewer traditional-age students, a trend that will continue. We need to think differently about how we attract students and, just as importantly, how we help them succeed once they’re here.
That’s where our student success efforts come in. We’re proposing a Student Success Council that will bring people together from across the institution to take a closer look at what’s working, where students face challenges and what we can do to improve retention and graduation rates. Led by Associate Provost for Student Success Dr. Brandon Johnson, the council will use data to help identify opportunities to strengthen the student experience, both inside and outside the classroom.
As we’ve been discussing, student recruitment is not just the responsibility of one office. Recruitment and student success are responsibilities we all share. Each of us contributes to creating the kind of experience that helps students choose Missouri State, succeed here and stay on track to graduation.
Navigating AI
We continue to have important conversations about artificial intelligence and curriculum. It’ll be a key discussion topic for our November Town Hall.
Faculty from various disciplines have been sharing how Missouri State’s curriculum is preparing students for an AI-influenced economy. Specifics vary by field, but the approach is consistent: students build AI literacy through instruction that also strengthens their critical thinking, judgment and problem-solving skills.
The growth of AI is another reason why the Innovation Institute is important to help us expand our experiential learning portfolio, giving students more applied learning opportunities that build on their classroom work.
The Bronze Bear
I’m thrilled to share that the Thompson family is this year’s recipient of the Bronze Bear award, which recognizes individuals for special support and achievement at Missouri State. The Board of Governors approved the award during last week’s meeting.
The longtime Springfield business family has been steadfast supporters of Mo State for generations. They’re well-known for their wonderful civic leadership and generosity that have strengthened our university and the Springfield community.
Brent Dunn, CEO and president of the Missouri State Foundation said it best: “For more than four decades, the Thompson family has been a constant friend to Missouri State. Their generosity has touched students, programs and communities across our campus, and their loyalty as Bear fans is just as strong.”
The Thompson family owns and operates Thompson Sales Co., one of the region’s oldest family-owned automobile dealerships. The business traces its roots to 1919, when George M. Thompson Sr. established the company in Springfield.
Government excellence
For his commitment to serving Missouri and providing ongoing support of the university, Missouri state Rep. Alex Riley will receive our 2026 Government Excellence Award. As approved by the Board of Governors during last week’s meeting, the award will be presented at a fall 2026 commencement ceremony Dec. 11.
Riley represents Greene County’s 134th District in the Missouri House of Representatives. A Springfield native, he was first elected to the House in November 2020 and began serving in January 2021.
He currently serves as House majority floor leader and was elected by House Republicans to serve as speaker-elect for the 2027-28 legislative session. During his tenure, he has helped lead the House through legislation addressing education, public safety, taxes, transportation and a variety of other topics.
Philanthropic support for athletics
We continue to discuss and advance the priorities of our athletics master plan.
During the September Executive Committee meeting, the Board of Governors approved our plans to move forward with the long-awaited renovation of McDonald Arena, which includes a new football locker room, renovated tunnel to Plaster Stadium and athletic training and hydrotherapy spaces. All preparations for this work have begun.
The larger plan also considers improvements to Plaster Stadium to improve circulation, accessibility and the game-day experience.
These are strategic commitments, funded by philanthropic support, to our student-athletes, fans, national profile and the long-term success of Missouri State Athletics.
Growing momentum
Whether we’re preparing for enrollment growth, addressing curricular and co-curricular innovation, improving our campus facilities and athletics, or ensuring students have ample opportunities for workforce experiences, we’re thinking strategically about the future for Missouri State.
That means listening, adapting and making decisions that strengthen the university while staying focused on the people we serve and ensuring students have exceptional experiences at our university.
It’s a great day to be a Bear!
Biff