Last week, I spent three days in Jefferson City, and it was a whirlwind tour. I met with legislators, educators and education organizations. I capped the week off on Saturday with our first home football game versus Lindenwood University.

A busy, but fulfilling visit

I visited with several legislators in Jeff City. Some of the best meetings were with House and Senate leadership, chairs of committees and several of our local legislators. It was a great opportunity to hear their perspectives on higher education.

I participated in meetings with the Council on Public Higher Education (COPHE). In case you don’t know, COPHE is comprised of nine of Missouri’s public universities, State Technical College of Missouri and their presidents. The University of Missouri is no longer a member of COPHE.

The primary mission of COPHE is to support and advance the missions of its institutions, while increasing the understanding and appreciation of public higher education by state leaders and the public at large.

I also attended my first Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) meeting. The nine-member board (one member for each congressional district in Missouri plus one at large) oversees the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD).

As an example of its function, in 2021, CBHE approved a change to Missouri State’s mission to include professional doctorates generally in the description of the degrees we offer. This was a game changer for us at the time since it enabled us to seek new professional doctorates through a shorter, less onerous review process by the MDHEWD.

A nice part of the CBHE meeting included a resolution recognizing President Emeritus Clif Smart for his service as president of Missouri State. It was well deserved.

Back on campus

When I returned from Jeff City, I had more meetings with student ambassadors and campus ministry members. I also recorded a TikTok with some of our university dance students. Just to be clear, I’ll never be asked to join Dancing with the Stars!

My weekend was a lot of fun. I attended the men’s soccer game against Bradley, as well as dropped in on the Mid-Autumn Celebration.

On Saturday, MSU hosted its first home football game of the season versus Lindenwood University. I experienced my first BearFest Village. Wow! And, the Bears won 28-14.

Don’t forget

We need your participation in the new strategic plan. Sign up online on the Strategic Plan website.

Next week is the 2024 Public Affairs Conference. There are so many great sessions to attend.  And don’t forget to catch our keynote speaker, Brooke Shields, at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Juanita K. Hammons Hall.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff