Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for Nov. 1, 2022

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Last week the Board of Governors recognized Sen. Roy Blunt with the Bronze Bear Award and Sen. Karla Eslinger with the Government Excellence Award.

Blunt selected for Bronze Bear

Sen. Blunt’s support for MSU is unparalleled.

He constantly advocates to get our university and our students, faculty and staff national and international recognition. The greatest example of this is his decision to select our Chorale to perform at the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. This gave our university and our students the limelight on an international stage.

Sen. Blunt has demonstrated significant commitment for our economic development work throughout his career.

The Roy D. Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center would not exist but for an appropriation he secured while in the House of Representatives. Sen. Blunt and his staff have worked and continue to work to identify grant, contract and plus-up opportunities for the important work that occurs in IDEA Commons.

Perhaps the greatest example of Sen. Blunt’s support for MSU came earlier this year when he secured more than $56 million in federal funds to support health, life, and physical science research, teaching and facilities at Missouri State. Fifty million dollars of that is designated to construct a laboratory addition to Temple Hall.

Read the news release

Eslinger awarded Government Excellence Award

Sen. Eslinger is a tireless advocate for higher education, Missouri State University and the West Plains campus (which is located in her Missouri Senate district).

In 2021, Sen. Eslinger led a successful strategy to secure a $1 million appropriation to construct the Pace Industrial Science Center in West Plains. This appropriation — combined with a grant coordinated by Sen. Blunt and a private contribution from the Pace family — made the welding program in West Plains possible.

This year Sen. Eslinger led a successful strategy to secure a $7.5 million appropriation to construct a facility to house the ASCEND program on our campus in West Plains. This program is very important to the communities throughout south central Missouri.

Sen. Elsinger has only served two years in the Senate. I am hopeful that we will get to work with her for many more years.

Sen. Blunt and Sen. Eslinger have made a tremendous difference in the lives of our university community. They are well deserving of these awards.

Read the news release

Celebrating Onward Upward

Last week we also celebrated the success of the Onward Upward campaign. We revealed the total amount of funds raised during the campaign in front of a crowd of around 3,000 people in Great Southern Bank Arena on Saturday night.

I am pleased to report that the campaign raised a total of $274,018,157.

Contributions through the campaign include support for scholarships, faculty, programs and capital.

Specific capital projects include:

  • John Goodman Amphitheatre.
  • O’Reilly Health Sciences Center.
  • Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall.
  • Robert Gourley Student Success Center at Glass Hall.
  • Magers Family Health and Wellness Center.
  • Davis-Harrington Welcome Center.
  • Bobby Allison Projects — recreation fields and Event Center at Greenwood.
  • Naming of The McQueary College of Health and Human Services and Reynolds College of Arts and Letters.
  • Many more.

I want to thank and congratulate Brent Dunn and his team at the MSU Foundation for a job well done on this campaign.

I also want to thank all of the members of our university community who contributed to the campaign. Your investment will pay off in the lives changed at Missouri State.

Read the news release

Give to United Way

I also want to take a moment to encourage you to participate in another campaign — United Way.

I am this year’s chair of the United Way of the Ozarks (UWO) Board of Directors. I fervently believe in the role United Way plays in our community.

UWO has adopted a more focused approach to community investment. All funded programs must fall into one of two categories:

  • Championing Children.
  • Pathways out of poverty.

I challenge you to consider giving to UWO. If we all give, together we can significantly impact southwest Missouri.

All faculty and staff who participate in this year’s United Way campaign are invited to a celebration lunch at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 7 in the PSU Ballroom.  It will be a fun event, and you could win a prize!

Details about the United Way campaign and how to participate can be found online.

Donate to United Way

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Oct. 26, 2021

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The Board of Governors met two weeks ago. Last week I told you about their approval of a $4.1 million contract to design the renovation of and addition to Temple Hall.

The board took several other important actions during their committee and regular meetings.

Natalie McNish named internal auditor

The Risk Management and Audit Committee interviewed finalists for the position of internal auditor. I am pleased to report that after those interviews the board hired Natalie McNish.

Natalie began working for the State of Missouri in the State Auditor’s office in 2006. She has worked in the university’s office of internal audit and risk management since 2017, serving as the interim director since December of last year.

The board and I look forward to continuing to work with Natalie, and I hope you will join me in congratulating her.

Update on graduate programs

In the Programs and Planning Committee, the board received a presentation about graduate education at MSU.

The presentation focused on our dramatic growth of graduate degree programs, enrollment and awards.

The board discussed next steps in MSU’s Graduate College, including efforts to emerge as a state leader in professional doctoral programs.

Welcoming an emerging news organization

The board approved an agreement with the Springfield Daily Citizen. The Springfield Daily Citizen is a nonprofit news organization emerging in our community.

The Daily Citizen will provide consistent in-depth public affairs journalism published online.

Under the agreement, the Daily Citizen will be located on campus in Freudenberger House at no cost.

Naming Bronze Bear and Government Excellence awards

The board approved a resolution to award the Bronze Bear Award to Tim and Judy Reynolds and the Government Excellence Award to Clay Goddard.

Tim and Judy Reynolds attended MSU, and Judy worked for the university for many years. They have financially supported numerous programs and initiatives at Missouri State.

Most recently, they were responsible for a significant gift to support scholarships for students in the College of Arts and Letters, resulting in the board naming the college the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters.

Clay Goddard, a two-time alumnus of Missouri State University, invested his entire career in public service with the City of Springfield and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

As the director of health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided extraordinary leadership to protect our community, mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

The Bronze Bear Award and the Government Excellence Award will be presented at our commencement ceremonies this December.

Showcasing points of pride for MSU

I provided updates to the board on COVID-19 and enrollment and showed them the new What’s New At MSU Video.

Frank Einhellig presented the new Mind’s Eye publication and highlights from the fall 2021 Bears Care survey.

Elizabeth Walker, this year’s public affairs fellow, presented a report on the Public Affairs Conference.

The board also received presentations on the student emergency fund and on MarCom’s award-winning success in supporting university advancement with video, writing, design and events.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Oct. 20, 2020

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The Board of Governors met last week.

At the Finance and Facilities Committee, the board reviewed financial statements from last fiscal year. The university had a $6.4 million decrease in its operating fund reserve on the Springfield campus and a $229,000 decrease in its operating fund reserve on the West Plains campus.

These decreases can primarily be attributed to withholds of our state operating appropriation. However, we were successful at decreasing our expenses to offset a portion of those revenue losses.

Financial review

I also updated the Finance and Facilities Committee on the current fiscal year.

As you know, our enrollment exceeded projections. For the Springfield campus, this resulted in $2.9 million in additional tuition and fees in the summer and fall.

Scholarship expenses were also $1.9 million less than budgeted, and the university saved $1.2 million in payroll and benefits through the hiring freeze.

Depending on the impact of COVID-19 on the spring semester, this additional revenue and expense savings may minimize the Springfield campus’s need to spend reserves to balance the FY21 budget as was initially anticipated.

Similarly, on the West Plains campus, additional tuition and fee revenue as well as scholarship and payroll savings will reduce the amount of reserves needed to balance the FY21 budget.

Parson releases appropriations

The board discussed Gov. Mike Parson’s recent decision to release $1.7 million of the university’s operating appropriation. I will reconvene the Executive Budget Committee in the coming weeks to discuss how to invest those funds in the university’s operations.

Parson also released $3.2 million for the Bright Flight program. This is half of the withheld funds for that scholarship program.

I personally met with Parson to advocate that the Bright Flight funds be released along with a portion of our operating appropriation. I am pleased those efforts paid off.

I hope you will join me in thanking Parson for supporting higher education, Missouri State University and our students during these difficult times.

Gourleys awarded Bronze Bear

The board voted to award the Bronze Bear to Robert and Marlese Gourley. Mr. Gourley is an alum of Missouri State University who worked his way through college and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation. Together the Gourleys started and owned a series of successful businesses in the Kansas City area.

For many years, the Gourley family has financially supported programs on the university’s West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses as well as scholarships and athletic programs on the Springfield campus. In 2015, the Gourley family made a significant gift to the MSU Foundation and the university named the 37,000 square foot addition to Glass Hall the Robert Gourley Student Success Center.

McClure selected for Government Excellence Award

The board also voted to award the Government Excellence Award to Mayor Charles Kenneth (“Ken”) McClure. McClure has tirelessly advocated for Missouri State University and the Springfield community throughout his career.

As mayor, he has provided an unprecedented level of leadership to protect our community during the coronavirus pandemic by establishing a mask mandate, facility occupancy and gathering restrictions, and other policies designed to mitigate spread of the virus. He also championed legislation to change the name of our university to Missouri State University during his time as chief of staff to Gov. Matt Blunt.

Recognizing dedication to public affairs

The board also approved a resolution acknowledging this year’s Excellence in Public Affairs Award recipients. This year’s faculty recipients include:

  • Dr. Kevin Evans
  • Dr. Lisa Hall
  • Dr. Elizabeth Sobel

This year’s staff recipients include:

  • Samantha Francka
  • Diana Garland
  • A’dja Jones

The award recognizes individuals with an established record of distinctive work and accomplishments in support of the university’s public affairs mission. Each awardee receives a $1,500 grant to be used for research, travel or projects related to their public affairs activities.

Other board updates

The board also received updates on key performance indicators and the long-range plan and strategic enrollment management plan processes.

Finally, the board elected officers for next calendar year. Beginning in January, the board will be chaired by Gov. Amy Counts, and Gov. Carol Silvey will serve as vice chair. I am excited to work with them as we continue to move the university forward.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

 

Clif’s Notes for Nov. 7, 2017

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I wanted to update you on several action items from the October Board of Governors committee and regular meetings.

Celebrating the renovations on campus

Before the meetings, the Board of Governors joined the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the College of Business Executive Advisory Council, community leaders, donors, alumni and supporters of Missouri State to reopen Glass Hall and dedicate the Robert Gourley Student Success Center.

If you have not yet seen the facility, I encourage you to walk through this building. We should all be proud of the facility projects completed this semester. When we transform spaces like Glass and Ellis Halls, prospective students are more likely to attend Missouri State, and existing students receive enhanced education and an improved campus experience.

Continuing budget discussions

I provided the board’s Finance and Facilities Committee with an update on the university’s budget process for fiscal year 2019. The MOSERS board has decided to increase employer contribution rates next year. This will cost the university an additional $750,000. We also know that ordinary operating expenses (utilities, lease and contract payments, etc.) will increase.

On the other side of the ledger, state appropriations are likely to decrease again, making for another challenging budget year.

Changing the Expressive Activity Policy

The board approved revisions to the Expressive Activity Policy. The revisions primarily modify the time, place and manner of restrictions for expressive activity on campus.

The policy now prohibits participants in rallies and demonstrations from carrying weapons of any kind, ammunition, explosives, body armor, helmets, mace/pepper spray, masks, torches, vehicles and other similar items that increase the risk of injury.

The policy previously prohibited all indoor rallies and demonstrations on campus. With several exceptions, the policy now authorizes indoor forums, rallies, demonstrations or similar activities that comply with particular requirements (including that the activities are silent, do not interfere with reasonable operations, and comply with campus instruction and policies).

Recognizing dedication to the university

The board approved a resolution to award the Bronze Bear to Dr. Paul Durham. This is the first time a university faculty member has been awarded the Bronze Bear. You can find more information about Durham’s work and the Bronze Bear award in the university’s news release.

The board also approved a resolution to award the Government Excellence Award to Sen. Roy Blunt. The award recognizes Blunt’s accomplished career in public service and his significant support for Missouri State’s academic, student support and economic development programs. You can find more information about Blunt and the Government Excellence Award in the university’s news release.

Growing through sustainability

At its regular meeting, the board had a long discussion about the university’s sustainability initiatives. The board was impressed with the progress we have made over the past several years in energy usage, the campus garden, food waste and other sustainability efforts. Several board members told me after the presentation that they appreciated the information and were proud of the work we have done.

Outstanding volleyball season

I also wanted to recognize the outstanding success of our Bears volleyball team.

The team set the longest conference win streak of any Missouri State athletics program earlier this season, and we are now pursuing a second straight Missouri Valley Conference title.

Lily Johnson and Lynsey Wright have combined for nearly 3,500 career kills — the most of any pair of teammates nationally. Johnson is the conference career kills leader and among the nation’s top three active players in kills, attacks and aces.

Please cheer on the Bears and make plans to attend the last two home matches for this record-breaking senior class. Those matches are on Nov. 11 at noon (vs. UNI) and Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. (vs. Drake).

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Oct. 18, 2016

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Clif's Notes

Last week the Board of Governors had its October meeting. I want to take a moment to highlight important discussions and action items from the meeting.

Board recognizes Allison, Nietzel

Allison with Lady Bears
Bobby Allison with the Lady Bears
Bears of Distinction Alumni Awards Ceremony. 60 Years of Celebrating 1956-2016 Kevin White/MSU Alumni Awards Ceremony 60 Years of Celebrating 1956-2016
Mike Nietzel at an alumni event

The Board voted to recognize Bobby Allison with the Bronze Bear Award.

Allison’s contributions to the university have included gifts for the basketball courts in the Foster Recreation Center, the Betty and Bobby Allison Recreation Fields, the Betty and Bobby Allison North (hockey and lacrosse) and South (soccer and track) facilities, and playground equipment at the Child Development Center.

The Board also voted to recognize Dr. Michael Nietzel with the Government Excellence Award.

As a senior policy adviser to Gov. Jay Nixon, Nietzel was actively engaged in selecting members of Missouri State’s Board of Governors and was directly involved in Nixon’s budget development and higher education policy decisions.

Nietzel played a critical role in Missouri State University receiving record ongoing funding in fiscal year 2017 and capital appropriations.

Other board actions

Renderings of new health and wellness center
Rendering of the new health and wellness center

The board approved the bond for the new health and wellness center. Health and wellness center operations have been moved to The Monroe to allow for the existing building to be demolished. The construction contract for the project has been award to K&S Associates, and the project is advancing as planned.

The board also approved a consultant contract for the Hill Hall project and a contract for improvements to the chilled water loop.

The board approved changes to the employee handbook to create a new employment category called professional non-exempt and to make other revisions to implement the changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act throughout campus.

The board elected new officers to take office in January. The board elected Joe Carmichael as chair and Virginia Fry as vice chair. I look forward to working with our new board leadership.

Finally, the board heard a presentation from Amy Blansit. Blansit described how she has made her Missouri Statement through her work with The Fairbanks School building and other initiatives in the Grant Beach Neighborhood in Springfield.

Health Risk Assessment availableTwo people running in Foster Recreation Center

The annual Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is available now for you to complete through the MyMissouriState portal under the Wellness heading on the Profile tab. The deadline to complete the HRA is Dec. 1.

Completing the HRA allows you to save up to $30 per month on your health insurance premiums. The exact amount of savings will depend on your responses to questions about smoking and activities. Completing the HRA also provides a personal profile of your wellness and provides ideas for improving your overall health.

Additional information about the HRA can be found on the wellness webpage.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!