Missouri State University has been recognized as a 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The foundation cited the strong alignment among our mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices that support meaningful community engagement.
This recognition affirms what we know to be true about Missouri State – community engagement isn’t an add-on here. It’s central to who we are. It’s our public affairs mission in action. It also aligns directly with our strategic plan and our commitment to ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.
Missouri State is one of 277 institutions recognized with the classification in 2026, and the designation extends through 2032. That’s an achievement worth celebrating, and it’s also a call to keep doing the work with purpose and consistency.
I want to thank Kathy Nordyke from the office of citizenship and service learning and Mary Ann Wood from the office of public affairs support for their leadership and hard work in preparing our Carnegie Community Engagement application. The effort took over a year and a half, with data gathered from all areas of the campus and external community.
When we talk about community engagement, it’s easy to think first about our partnerships across Springfield, the Ozarks and beyond. Those relationships matter. They expand opportunity, strengthen learning and research, and address real needs alongside the people closest to the challenges and solutions.
But community engagement is also shaped by what happens on campus, every day. How we communicate. How we handle disagreements. How we raise concerns, seek understanding and work through conflict in ways that reflect our values.
That’s why I want to highlight a resource that supports a healthy culture from the inside out: the Missouri State ombuds office. The ombuds office was established following a recommendation from the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate, reflecting our shared commitment to a respectful, solutions-focused workplace and learning environment.
The ombuds office: Here to listen, here to help
The ombuds office provides an independent and informal space to discuss concerns, explore options and resolve conflicts. It promotes fairness, equity and civil discourse while helping individuals navigate university systems and policies.
Ombuds can listen, help identify options for resolution, explain policies and procedures, coach you on strategies to address problems, and, when appropriate, mediate disputes or facilitate communication. It’s also important to know the ombuds office operates as anonymously as possible and doesn’t keep records of who seeks its services, allowing people to raise concerns with confidence and discretion.
Just as important, the ombuds office is clear about what it doesn’t do. It doesn’t replace formal grievance processes, conduct investigations or overturn decisions. It cannot unilaterally change policies or substitute for the authority of other university officials. Instead, it helps people make informed choices and move forward constructively.
This work matters. A campus that handles concerns with respect and integrity is better positioned to serve as a trusted partner in the community. In many ways, community engagement starts right here, with how we treat one another.
Thank you for the ways you strengthen Missouri State, deepen our partnerships and bring our public affairs mission to life.
It’s a great day to be a Bear!
Biff