FY14 Archives - Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes Vol. 3, No. 11

April 16, 2014 by Clif Smart

In this issue of Clif’s Notes, I provide an update on the legislative session, report on our plan for resurfacing parking lots this summer with environmentally-friendly material and review some recent events.

Legislative update

The 2014 session of the Missouri General Assembly is progressing. The budget must be completed by May 9, which is one week before the last day of the session (May 16). Much remains to be finalized, but I wanted to report on the three major items we are tracking.

Current year (fiscal year 2014)

For this year, lottery revenues, which help fund the higher education operating budget, are below what had been budgeted. In fact, the shortfall was about $44 million. The legislature approved $22 million in a supplemental appropriation to help cover half of the shortfall.

On April 10, Governor Jay Nixon announced the holdbacks necessary to cover the remaining $22 million. That included $3.2 million for the public four-year universities. For Missouri State, that means $353,017 will be withheld from the remaining monthly payments from the state. We plan to cover this one-time shortfall with central reserve funds so that no cost center budget will be impacted by this withholding.

For next year (fiscal year 2015)

On the operating budget, the House recommended a 3 percent increase, and the Senate Appropriations Committee has recommended a 5 percent increase. Provided the full Senate supports the committee recommendation, those will be the positions when the two chambers go into the conference committee. As you recall, we held undergraduate in-state tuition flat based on the assumption that the increase would be 5 percent or higher.

On capital, a revenue bonding initiative is moving forward. It involves a statutory bill that enables the bonding, plus a bonding bill with specific renovation, maintenance and repair projects to be funded. Included for Missouri State are projects totaling more than $20 million:

$7,581,818 — Ellis Hall
$11,016,237 — Hill Hall
$220,000 — sprinkler system and fire alarm panel repairs and maintenance on the West Plains campus
$1,547,890 — Post Office Building at the West Plains campus.

Finally, a variety of tax reduction bills are in various stages of passage. They have the potential to impact the revenue increases previously referenced, so we continue to engage our legislators on this subject as well.

Again, much remains to be completed, and I will continue to provide updates for you.

Parking lot project

Every summer we repair, reseal and re-stripe parking lots. Like most others in Springfield, we have always used a coal tar-based asphalt sealer in the resealing process as no other comparable products were available. This has caused concerns within our campus community and our city because of the potential negative environmental effects of coal tar.

This summer, we will spend approximately $180,000 to repair/seal/re-stripe more than a dozen parking lots around campus. To accomplish this, we will be trying a different product — an asphalt emulsion sealer — rather than the coal tar based asphalt sealer we have used in the past.

We have been and will continue to evaluate the performance of asphalt emulsion based sealers to see if they are a viable substitute for the coal tar sealants. If this new sealant performs well, it will replace the coal tar sealants going forward. I will keep you apprised of our results on this and other projects as we continue to advance our sustainability agenda.

Review of recent events

We have had a number of high-profile events lately, so I want to provide updates on those.

Public Affairs Conference

Approximately 3,425 people attended the 2014 Public Affairs Conference, with its theme Global Perspective: Why It Matters. Once again, the conference offered informative, inspirational and thought-provoking sessions for the University and local communities. I want to thank Dr. Kevin Evans, 2014 provost fellow for public affairs, for his outstanding leadership in planning the 10th annual conference.

Three plenary speakers drew large audiences and offered diverse viewpoints on global perspective.

Dr. Spencer Wells, National Geographic Society explorer-in-residence and director of the Genographic project, offered insight into the commonalities shared by all humans and supported the concept of “citizen science,” public participation and funding in scientific studies.
Best-selling author George Saunders provided humorous and poignant insights into the human condition, noting that Americans often view other cultures as strange, but he contended that American culture is just as strange.
Gonzalo Vargas, director of finance for Groupon Latin America and MSU alumnus, noted that awareness and adaptability are key factors to developing cultural understanding, and that cultural competence is essential for successful multicultural organizations.

Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame

More than 200 people attended the inaugural induction of the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame. We honored President Harry Truman (represented by his grandson Clifton Truman Daniel), Senator John Danforth and Dr. Donald Suggs. It was an inspiring evening. By telling the stories of these three individuals, we were able to illustrate the meaning of the public affairs mission for the entire state of Missouri. Review a recap of the event.

This was an excellent start to a new annual tradition, and I want to thank the selection committee and the work group that made the event a success, as well as Strong-Garner-Bauer for sponsoring the event.

Remember, the deadline for nominations for the 2015 Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame is July 1, 2014. I hope you will consider submitting a nomination.

Student open forum

I was pleased to speak at the student open forum April 8. More than 100 students attended the event, which was hosted by the Student Government Association. Students had the opportunity to submit questions in advance through Facebook and other social media outlets, and questions were also taken from the audience.

Students were interested in learning more about my leadership style, issues I see facing higher education and plans for Missouri State. Additionally, they wanted to learn more about me as a person. Questions at the forum ranged from “Where do you see higher education in the state of Missouri in the next 5-10 years, and how does MSU fit into that vision?” to “What was your favorite tradition back when you were a student?”

It was a lively discussion and a great opportunity for me to interact with our students, which is, by the way, one of my favorite parts of the job.

HLC Town Hall meeting

We appreciate the good turnout we had for the HLC Town Hall meeting on April 4.

Our first goal was education on criteria, process and timeline. We are preparing for a comprehensive site visit in fall of 2015 — the specific date will be set this fall. A complete first draft of the assurance argument that clearly states how Missouri State University meets the HLC criteria and core components will be completed by early October. This argument is limited to 35,000 words and must be backed with evidence, i.e. data, policies, procedures, meeting minutes and reports. Drafts of the assurance argument will be posted for campus review in the coming year.

To those who were unable to attend, the draft reports and summary PowerPoint presentation are posted online. We received questions and comments on the following topics: transparency of process; assessment of students, faculty and administrators; advising and diversity. Should you have further feedback, please email the chair of the steering committee, Dr. Tammy Jahnke, dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Conclusion

We are in the home stretch for the spring semester and the 2013-14 year. As usual, we end with a flurry of events and activities, many of which I hope you will attend. I hope all of you will make plans to attend one or more of the three commencements on Friday, May 16, as we honor this year’s spring graduates. The honorary doctorate recipients named by the Faculty Senate will give the addresses at two of the commencement ceremonies: James Tatum at 10 a.m. and John Rush at 5 p.m. Educator and former state representative Sara Lampe will give the 1:30 p.m. ceremony address.

Thank you for all you do for Missouri State University.

—Clif

Send comments Follow Clif Smart on Twitter

Connecting students with industry professionals is a key component of helping students and graduates establish their career paths.

In the hospitality and restaurant administration department, that means bringing in top caliber speakers from hospitality companies across the nation to share their passion for the industry and engage students. One way the department does this is through its Hospitality Industry Week held each spring and fall. This spring’s event included the 7th Annual HRA Board of Advisors Speaker Series, the Hospitality Recruiters’ Fair (which the department has hosted since 1992) and the Hospitality Interview Day.

Joyce keynote began the events

The kick-off event for the week was a presentation by Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels. Joyce shared his insight on developing a successful career and highlighted a number of important industry trends. A packed crowd of more than 300 students, faculty and professionals attended the event.

“We were truly honored to have Steve Joyce on our campus,” said Dr. Stephanie Hein, hospitality and restaurant administration department head. “It was an exceptional opportunity for our students to learn from an industry leader who is at the top of his game.”

Joyce was accompanied by four members of his executive team: C.A. Anderson, Steve Stoycos, Jim Tierney and Michael Murphy. All four participated on a panel discussion for hospitality seniors. Students guided the discussion by asking questions pertaining to leadership, career growth and challenges within the industry.

Opportunities develop well-prepared professionals

“We are pleased to provide high-profile learning and networking opportunities for our students,” said Hein. “The speaker series and recruiters’ fair are just a couple examples of how we work to develop well-prepared, professional graduates. We are receiving feedback from leading recruiters that our efforts are paying off and students are ultimately realizing the reward of multiple job offers.”

Clif’s Notes Vol. 3, No. 5

October 7, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of Clif’s Notes, I review our planned use of excess revenue from enrollment growth, the proposed increase in spouse/family health insurance, the Stomp Out Hunger community engagement project and the B.E.A.R. fee student initiative.

Use of unbudgeted revenue

Thanks to a very strong enrollment, we anticipate having an additional $1 million in unbudgeted revenue from tuition and fees for this fiscal year. That is very good news and a good reminder of the impact our enrollment has on our budget. I again want to thank everyone who contributed to the record enrollment.

At the Executive Budget Committee meeting Oct. 2, there was unanimous agreement to immediately commit $600,000 to the provost’s office, so it could be allocated to hire faculty for the 2014-15 year. The purpose for this decision was so that the advertising can begin soon and the search process can be both thoughtful and timely in order to attract the best possible candidates.

Consistent with our stated policy, priority will be given to faculty lines in the colleges where enrollment has increased the most. Provost Frank Einhellig will work on a process and the details with the deans, the Academic Affairs Budget Committee and the college budget committees.

I anticipate that the Executive Budget Committee will meet again in early 2014 to make a decision about how to allocate the remaining unbudgeted revenue to other University priorities. That will allow us to ensure the spring enrollment is strong.

Insurance rates to increase for spouse/family

I want you to know that it has become necessary for us to recommend an increase in the insurance coverage for spouses/families. We will recommend a $30 per month increase beginning Jan. 1, 2014 (to be deducted from the December pay check). The Board of Governors will hear and act on that recommendation at its Oct. 18 meeting.

I wanted to alert you to this before it goes before the Board and also give you the reasons for the recommendation.

Reasons for recommendation

As you know, the University has a self-funded employee medical insurance plan, which means that employee contributions are the primary source of paying claims. The costs of that plan continue to increase as health care costs and claims increase. Paid claims show that spousal/family claims have exceeded contributions of employees by an average of approximately $1.3 million per year for the past three calendar years. As a result, the University has had to fund the difference.

Further, the data shows that the University is subsidizing the cost of the spousal/family coverage by about $135 per month per employee. This fact will be more accurately presented when the employer contribution is reflected.

Finally, the Affordable Care Act requires additional fees, including a $63 fee per year per covered life. For Missouri State, this represents an increase of about $200,000 annually.

Simply stated, we do not have a choice. Our consultants have recommended it and the University’s Health Care Plans Review Committee has concurred. We must increase this premium, which will be, amazingly, the first such increase since 2007.

Provided the Board approves the recommendation, there will be much more information about this change coming from the office of human resources. Included will be details on an “open enrollment” period which will occur each year.

Thank you for your understanding.

Stomp Out Hunger

The Stomp Out Hunger: All-Collegiate Shoe Drive is under way. The initiative benefits Sole Food, a project of Friends Against Hunger. The project is consistent with this year’s public affairs theme of “Global Perspective: Why it Matters.” The drive will continue through Homecoming on Oct. 19, and I hope you will participate. You may deposit your shoes in one of the blue University Staff Ambassador (USA) boxes strategically located throughout campus.

About the drive

Missouri State is joining Drury, OTC, Evangel and SBU in this effort. Sole Food has partnered with the Shoeman Water Project in Fulton to generate funding through the export of the shoes to needy people around the world and in the United States. All proceeds raised by Sole Food are donated back to Friends Against Hunger to help them provide food to hungry people around the world. Proceeds for the Shoeman Water Project go toward providing clean water sources and wells primarily in Haiti, Kenya and South America.

How to get involved

You may bring your unwanted shoes (no holes in the soles, please) to one of the many collection locations on campus to do your part in this campus-wide project. Through this collection, we will also attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest string of shoes (using only the shoes with laces). The current record of 12,481 pairs of shoes is held by the Shoeman Water Project, who displayed the shoes at the University of Missouri on May 7, 2011.

So you know, we are encouraging students to bring shoes back from home when they return from fall break, which is Oct. 10-11. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in reminding students of this.

Stomp Out Hunger is one of our public affairs signature events for this year. More information is available on the public affairs website.

B.E.A.R. Fee

As you know, student leaders have proposed and put on the Homecoming ballot a Bear Experience and Recreation (B.E.A.R.) Fee of $50 per semester (graduated by credit hours taken). The vote will occur during Homecoming.

This idea has surfaced for the past several years, but the student leadership for it has not been strong enough to advance it through the process and onto the ballot. This year’s leaders, especially Matthaus Klute and SGA President David Schneider, deserve credit for their leadership. You can learn more about the fee and the facilities it would support on the SGA website.

About the fee

This is a student initiative, a student vote and a student decision. I have repeatedly told audiences that we will respect and operate within whatever decision students make. And I mean that.

We should, however, respect the students enough to let them make their decision based on facts, not fiction. For example:

Fact: This is a student initiative and student decision. The administration has responded to requests to provide cost estimates, timelines and artist renderings. It is no secret that I personally think this fee would enhance the University and help us improve our stature and our recruiting of students.

Fiction: It is not true that the administration is pressuring students into this.
Fact: These proposed projects will benefit recreation/intramurals and athletics. It will increase and enhance opportunities for both. The campus recreation staff has been involved in all of the discussions of this fee and its use.

Fiction: It is not true that this is a fee only for athletic facilities.
Fact: Unlike athletics fees at some institutions, this is not a fee for general support. If passed, this fee would fund the bond payments for the proposed recreation and athletics facilities for the next 20-25 years, plus provide approximately $200,000 annually for the Student Experience Fund, a fund to be a managed by the office of student engagement.

Fiction: It is just not true that this fee will be used for anything other than the bond payment for these facilities – not scholarships for athletes, not salaries for coaches, not operating expenses for sports.
Fact: If the fee does not pass, we will do what we need to do to comply with Title IX, and we will demolish the east bleachers and relocate the band and students to the west side of Plaster Sports Complex.

Fiction: It is not true that we will complete all components of the proposal if the fee is not passed. If the fee fails, a good number of the component parts will remain dormant until a funding source is identified.

Again, our students deserve the right to vote on this. They deserve for us to respect their vote. And they deserve for us to provide truthful information, so they can make an informed vote. I will appreciate any assistance you can give in communicating the facts on this.

Marketing survey

As promised in May, as a follow up to the Marketing Research Project, we are surveying all faculty and staff on the Springfield campus. We wanted to give all faculty and staff, not just a small sample, the opportunity to respond. The deadline for completing the survey is Oct. 18, and I hope you will participate by following the link emailed to you on Oct. 1. So you know, we are looking at the possibility of a separate survey for West Plains faculty and staff sometime in the future.

Conclusion

Next week, we will have thousands of alumni, friends and community members on campus for Homecoming activities. Thousands of our students also will be engaged in events throughout the week. It will be a great celebration of the University — past, present and future.

I invite you to join in. Bring your family and enjoy the festivities throughout the week, but especially on Saturday, Oct. 19. Gail and I will see you there.

—Clif

Send comments Follow Clif Smart on Twitter

Missouri State students have the opportunity to find their place in more than 300 student organizations. From volunteer groups to professional organizations to Greek life, these student organizations are points of pride for the University.

One of the many excelling student organizations at Missouri State is the Accounting Club–IMA Student Chapter. This fall the Missouri State IMA Student Chapter received a Gold Award of Excellence from the Institute for Management Accountants (IMA). The group was then named an Outstanding Student Chapter, an honor that goes to only four “golden” student organizations a year.

“I feel incredibly honored that, out of more than 100 student chapters, ours was chosen for this award,” said Ashley Peery, IMA Student Chapter president and MBA student. “I am proud of my board of officers and thankful that all of our hard work paid off.”

Each year, the IMA awards a bronze, silver or gold Award of Excellence to its student chapters nationwide based on their ability to meet a detailed list of requirements in the following categories: planning and evaluation, communications, programs and activities, and administrative. Of the student chapters that receive the gold award, four of them are named Outstanding Student Chapters.

“I think one reason our chapter was selected is because of the number of new members we were able to attract last year. We more than doubled our membership goal!” said Peery. “We host numerous events each year, and we try to be involved with our IMA parent chapter. Our goal is to give our members the tools they need to succeed professionally.”

Clif’s Notes Vol. 3, No. 4

September 20, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of “Clif’s Notes,” I want to review the State of the University address and provide the results of the veto session and how it affects Missouri State, as well as other updates.

State of the University address

I want to thank those of you who were able to attend in-person or watch the live streaming of the 2013 State of the University address yesterday (Sept. 19). If you were not able to attend or view the speech, I invite you to review the speech, including the PowerPoint slides and video of the address.

As you know, the title of the speech was “Thinking Bigger and Bolder: The Eight Major Goals for 2013-14.” Provost Frank Einhellig and I reviewed some of the achievements of the past year, highlighted our record enrollment and then outlined some of the key issues and initiatives for 2013-14. As you recall, these are the eight goals the Board of Governors approved for this year. These eight goals will guide us, and we will strive to achieve them.

I hope you will find this information useful as we work together this year toward these priorities.

Veto session

There has been much in the news all summer about HB 253, which would have reduced revenue to Missouri State University by between $6 million and $11 million annually, according to Governor Nixon’s calculations because of cuts to business income taxes. That size of cut would have been catastrophic for us on top of the $11 million in cuts we have already sustained over the previous four years.

On Sept. 11, the first day of the session, the veto was sustained by 15 votes. It takes two-thirds (109 of the 182 members) to override a veto in the House. For HB 253, 94 voted to override and 67 voted against.

Thank you to our representatives

I want to publicly thank Republican representatives Lynn Morris, Jeff Messenger, Lyndall Fraker, Lyle Rowland, Don Phillips and Sue Entlicher from our corner of the state who, despite enormous party pressure, did not vote to override the Governor’s veto. I also want to thank Democrat Charlie Norr who also voted to sustain the veto. We are indebted to these representatives, and we will not forget their support for education.

Besides not reducing our appropriations further, that action has resulted in the governor releasing the money held back from this year’s general appropriation ($3.1 million) as well as the specific health care funds which had been withheld in their entirety (another $1.3 million). We can now move on with expanding our healthcare programs on both the Springfield and West Plains campuses. On behalf of Missouri State, I thank Governor Nixon for releasing this money.

Continue to monitor

Finally, I encourage all sides to work together to find a compromise plan to reduce taxes without diminishing state support for education inasmuch as quality education is the most important driver in economic development. We need to avoid a repeat of this fight next year.

Marketing research on diversity

The final phase of the marketing research project has been completed. Phase IV focused on diverse students, both current and prospective. Review the results online.

This research will be part of the background material for the Board of Governors as it prepares for its discussion on diversity at the Oct. 18 meeting.

The research phase of the marketing project by Penn Schoen Berland (PSB), a global research-based consultancy headquartered in Washington, D.C., is now complete. By the end of September, we anticipate having marketing recommendations from PSB’s partner, Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW), an advertising, marketing and strategic communications agency, from Little Rock, Ark. When those recommendations are available, we will share them with campus as we did with the research results.

My Ideas

The My Ideas Faculty/Staff Suggestion Program has been refreshed and is now more active than ever. This program provides a way for the faculty and staff of Missouri State University to receive recognition by developing and submitting ideas that benefit the University through saving money or increasing revenue.

This program is based on a process improvement project completed by University Staff Ambassadors (USA) 2010 members. However, over the past year, the current My Ideas Committee has worked to update the program.

Quarterly drawing implemented

One change is a quarterly drawing to reward an idea submitted to the My Ideas Program. Each idea submitted during the quarter that meets the criteria of a good idea will be placed in a random drawing. The idea does not have to be implemented in order to be placed in the drawing or to receive the reward. The winner of the random drawing receives a Missouri State University Bookstore gift card valued at $30. Joni Durden won the first quarterly drawing for her submitted idea.

I invite you to submit your idea.

Conclusion

I want to thank and congratulate everyone who had a part in increasing our enrollment for fall 2013. That was important as we attempt to educate more citizens and, at the same time, maintain an important source of revenue for us to fund our priorities.

I look forward to a great year working with you. We are off to a fast start. Thank you for all you do for Missouri State University.

—Clif

Send comments Follow Clif Smart on Twitter

In 2005, Missouri State began to recognize significant student, faculty and staff accomplishments during home football and basketball games. These spotlights, sponsored by BancorpSouth, highlight significant grants and research activities as well as statewide, national and international recognitions. The spotlights have allowed us to celebrate and share the good things happening on campus in a public setting.

This year, the recognitions have been rebooted somewhat. Now named BancorpSouth Maroon Minute, the recognition is conveyed in a video that plays during a home game with honorees present as well. As a result, these video recognitions can be used and shared in many more ways than they have been before.

First BancorpSouth Maroon Minute honors NIH grant recipients

At the first home football game this year, four Missouri State faculty were recognized for their work on anti-cancer research. In support of their work, they received a significant grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute. In the first three years of the grant, many biomedical students found their place in the healthcare community – some by successfully enrolling in elite graduate and medical schools following graduation from Missouri State, many more by submitting their research to leading publications. [youTubeVideo url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mDHLGiCV_k” width=”598″ height=”335″]

That kind of work, as well as the other notable achievements taking place across campus, are points of pride we should all celebrate.

Clif’s Notes Vol. 3, No. 3

September 10, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of “Clif’s Notes,” I want to review the Professor Salary Incentive Program, give an update on the budget, invite you to the State of the University address and provide other highlights as we begin the 2013-14 year.

Professor Salary Incentive Program

Provost Frank Einhellig and I have approved the recommendations submitted by the Professor Salary Incentive Program Committee. The guidelines, application form and an example of an evaluation tool is available on the Professor Salary Incentive Program website.

The provost’s office plans to offer workshops early this fall to assist professors who wish to submit an application. To be eligible, professors must have held that rank for at least five years. The applications will be due to the appropriate dean’s office by Friday, Dec.13. The first group selected will be announced late in the spring of 2014, with the salary incentive being added for fiscal year 2015 (starting July 1, 2014). More details will be forthcoming.

As you recall, this program originated with a recommendation from the Faculty Senate, and it was endorsed by the Executive Budget Committee. While we must wait for final action on our budget, we anticipate awarding a minimum of 20 this year.

Mind’s Eye

We have a new publication that focuses on the wide range of outstanding research and scholarly activities in which our faculty are engaged. The title is Mind’s Eye. The hard copy publication will be available for distribution in mid-September. I also invite you to view the stories and watch the videos online.

Our graduate programs, our significant research and scholarly activity, and our willingness to have students involved at both the undergraduate and graduate levels helps set Missouri State apart from many other institutions. Mind’s Eye is one way we can celebrate those achievements with each other and our various constituent groups, including prospective graduate students, prospective faculty members, alumni, state leaders, donors and others.

Accreditations

Work on the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditations on the West Plains and Springfield campuses continue. The goal for both is to receive 10-year renewals: 2014-2024 for West Plains and 2015-2025 for Springfield.

West Plains

Missouri State-West Plains is entering the final stages of preparing its self-study for the HLC review. The final draft of the self-study will be presented to the West Plains campus community in October as well as to other constituent groups, the Springfield Administrative Council and the Board of Governors. The final report will be submitted to the Higher Learning Commission by the end of the fall 2013 semester. A team of evaluator/consultants will visit West Plains in April 2014.

Springfield

In Springfield, HLC Accreditation Chair Tammy Jahnke has the steering committee at full strength with two new student members. The members have divided into subcommittees with specific tasks related to the accreditation, with the resulting reports to be submitted in draft form. Town hall meetings are being scheduled for late April for a wider discussion. The two goals for these meetings will be to note and celebrate the accomplishments since 2005, and to affirm that the strengths and challenges listed in the draft reports from the steering committees are the right ones to list. Information related to the Springfield HLC accreditation is online, including process, membership, committees, minutes of meetings, overall schedule, etc.

Veto session

The Missouri General Assembly’s veto session begins Wednesday, Sept. 11. Legislators will consider whether or not to attempt to override several of the governor’s vetoes from the 2013 legislative session.

We are keeping our eye on the outcome for House Bill 253 since the results could impact our budget not only for the current fiscal year but future fiscal years. You recall that the governor restricted about $3.1 million in core budget for Missouri State, plus the $1.325 million targeted to the occupational therapy program on the Springfield campus and expansion/enhancement of health programs on the West Plains campus. The governor has publicly said he will release all of these funds immediately if his veto is sustained. It is less clear what will happen if the veto is overridden.

We will know more when the veto session concludes, which could last up to 10 days.

State of the University address

I invite you to attend the 2013 State of the University address at noon on Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Plaster Student Union Theater. The title of the speech is: “Thinking Bigger and Bolder: The 8 Major Goals for 2013-14.”

Provost Frank Einhellig and I will share the podium to talk about the goals for the year and some key issues we anticipate. As you leave the speech, we plan to have copies of Mind’s Eye to hand out.

If you are unable to attend, I invite you to watch the speech via live stream, or to listen or watch it as it is replayed on KSMU and Ozarks Public Television. The speech also will be archived on the website along with the PowerPoint presentation.

I will combine with Chancellor Drew Bennett to present this address to the West Plains campus on Oct. 1.

Voluntary Benefits Program

Open enrollment for our new Voluntary Benefits Program has begun. You will have two weeks to enroll for any or all of these: vision insurance plan, critical illness insurance and accident insurance. We are pleased to offer these three new benefits which provide extra protection for you and your family.

Please watch for a more detailed email on this program and how to enroll from the office of human resources. In the meantime, more information is also available on the Human Resources homepage.

Conclusion

It is great to be back at work full-time. I am very fortunate. I feel good, the surgery was a success and I have been declared “cancer free.” I want to thank all of you who communicated your support and who kept me in your prayers. I appreciated it very much.

—Clif

Send comments Follow Clif Smart on Twitter

Taylor Health and Wellness Center has long been a point of pride for Missouri State. Under the leadership of long-time director Burnie Snodgrass, Taylor Health and Wellness Center developed into a full-service center and received national recognition for its excellent care for University students, staff and faculty.

Award and accreditation

Last year, the Taylor Health and Wellness Center Laboratory was awarded the prestigious Laboratory Excellence Award by the Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), a national healthcare accreditation organization. The laboratory received the award for its outstanding performance in quality patient care and overall exemplary application of the principles of laboratory practices. The honor is the highest commendation that COLA awards, given only to those health care facilities that receive a perfect accreditation survey.

In addition, the center was recently accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

New leadership

After years of dedicated service, Burnie recently retired and the mantle of leadership for Taylor Health and Wellness was passed to Dr. David Muegge. Dr. Muegge received his degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and served as medical coordinator and staff physician for Taylor Health and Wellness Center since 2002. Prior to that, he had a private practice of internal medicine, beginning in 1980. During his time at Missouri State, Dr. Muegge has been instrumental in growing and expanding health and wellness opportunities at Missouri State.

Under Dr. Muegge’s leadership, Taylor Health and Wellness Center is expected to continue to be a point of pride for the students, employees and University in terms of quality, convenience and cost.

Clif’s Notes Vol. 3, No. 2

August 6, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of Clif’s Notes, I want to review the highlights of the Board of Governors Retreat, which occurred all day on Aug. 1. The Board approved the University goals for 2013-14 and identified facilities as a special point of emphasis.

Eight goals for 2013-14

The major agenda item for the retreat was to identify the goals for 2013-14. Based on previous discussions with the Board and building on the goals from previous years, the members of Administrative Council and I had drafted a set of goals for the Board’s review. Those draft goals were the basis for the discussion.

Coming out of the Retreat, we identified eight goals for 2013-14:

Enrollment
Continue to achieve modest annual growth consistent with the long-range plan goals.
Funding
Allocate, reallocate and generate new resources to achieve University priorities.
Accreditation
Develop the evidence to meet the criterion and core components necessary to achieve continued accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), as well as other major accrediting agencies.
Diversity and inclusion
Improve recruitment and retention of a diverse student body and workforce.
Student success
Expand high-quality academic programs to increase opportunities for students.
Facilities and sustainability
Design, bid and identify funding sources and begin construction on priority academic and auxiliary facilities, with a continued campus-wide emphasis on sustainability.
Athletics
Be competitive, compliant and successful in the classroom.
Raising the profile
Continue to find ways to more effectively “tell the Missouri State story” to ever-increasing numbers of people in Missouri, the nation and around the world.

I will have more to say about all of these at the annual State of the University address at noon on Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Plaster Student Union Theater. I hope you will plan to attend.

Facilities for the future

Of the eight goals, the “big initiative” the Board identified was to significantly improve our facilities over the next five years. This emphasis was based on our previous presentations of the needs and options over the past several months; the Board’s own discussions in recent months; and the Board’s tour of facilities in May. I want to provide an overview of our facilities plan for you, including funding sources.

Introduction

Facilities matter. They impact the quality of our academic programs. They are one of the keys to our accreditations. They significantly impact the other seven goals. Facilities matter to our current faculty, staff and students. They matter as we compete for the best students and for the best faculty. They matter to our alumni and the community. Facilities matter to all of us. They are important to our success in the future.

It has been more than a dozen years since the state legislature approved a comprehensive statewide capital appropriation for higher education. With the exception of the renovation of Siceluff Hall through the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative funding from the state, the progress we have made on facilities during that time has been through private contributions, University-issued bonds and the University’s own reserves and current funds.

We need some specific new facilities, plus we now have $105 million in deferred maintenance on our campuses.

I provide this background to emphasize that we must set priorities and be open to various forms of funding if we are to address our capital needs. We have identified the priority needs, plans and costs below. We are likely to bundle some of these costs into one or more academic and auxililary bond issues and then make the payments from the appropriate sources.

Important note: none of these projects will limit our ability to increase faculty and staff compensation because ongoing general fund money will not be used to construct any facility referenced below.

Academic facility priorities

Our two fastest-growing colleges are the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) and the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS), and the College of Business (COB) remains our largest college. Therefore, we will focus many of our resources to address the space needs and the condition of the buildings in those three colleges.

We have contracted with a consultant to look at the short-term needs in CHHS and CNAS and to explore options to address those needs. Pending confirmation from this study, we would anticipate proceeding with these projects:

Pummill Hall —The hospitality and restaurant administration program will be relocated from the Professional Building to the third and fourth floors of Pummill Hall. This will address the space requirements of HRA accreditation while allowing the Professional Building space to be reallocated to health programs. The University Space Allocation Advisory Committee is currently reviewing options for which academic departments best fit in the remaining two floors of the building. We estimate the Pummill Hall project will cost $4.5 million, which will be funded through private gifts and University resources (maintenance and repair budget, classroom upgrade budget and reserves). The renovation will begin in January 2014 and be completed by January 2015.

McQueary Hall — We plan to build an addition to McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall. This will help address the classroom, laboratory and office space we need to accommodate health programs, including the new occupational therapy program. We estimate this project will cost approximately $15 million, which will be funded through private gifts and University resources, specifically the $825,000 ongoing state appropriation to support the occupational therapy program, which can be used to help pay bonds for this project. We hope to start this project by fall 2014 and be completed by fall 2015.

Plaster Center — The Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development is up and running with several tenants. It does, however, still have approximately 30,000-square-feet of space yet to be developed. We are in the process of identifying which unit(s) fit best there to help us address our space needs in the health and science areas. When it occurs, we plan to fund this further development with University reserve funds.

Glass Hall — We have hired an architectural firm and are proceeding with plans to expand and renovate David D. Glass Hall for the College of Business. An approximate 40,000-square-foot addition is planned for the east end of Glass Hall to create the Student Success Center. In addition, the interior finishes of the public spaces in the existing building will be renovated. This project is estimated to cost $25 million, which will be funded through at least $10 million in private gifts, plus revenue from the college-specific student fee passed by the Board of Governors last year. We will not move forward with construction until the necessary funds have been received or pledged.

Ellis Hall — In the near future, we will begin looking at how Ellis Hall can best be utilized, and we will begin plans to renovate Ellis Hall after the Pummill Hall renovation is completed.

University-wide projects

Welcome Center — The Welcome Center will be located at the new entrance of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard (formerly Monroe Street). We intend for this facility to be constructed this coming year and opened before the end of calendar year 2014. It will be the first stop for visitors, especially prospective students and families. We estimate the cost of the Welcome Center to be $4 million. Our plan is to use the $1 million we received from the insurance company in the Bookstore theft claim as the University’s contribution for this project. The remainder of the cost will be paid for from private gifts.

Auxiliary facilities — housing

We need to constantly refresh and upgrade our housing options for students. We have three major projects planned over the next couple of years.

Woods House and Kentwood Hall — Both of these facilities will get major renovations in the summer of 2014. We estimate the total cost for the two will be $4 million, which will be funded through the residence hall system.

Sunvilla Tower — We plan to complete a major renovation of Sunvilla during the 2014-15 year, with work beginning in the summer of 2014 and being completed in time for fall 2015. Our goal is to make Sunvilla the “best value option” for students who wish to live on campus. We estimate the cost of this project will be at least $8 million, which will be funded through the residence hall system.

Auxiliary facilities — athletics and recreation

With Title IX, safety concerns and our desire to provide our student-athletes with every opportunity to be competitive, we are discussing a number of changes in athletic facilities. An important part of our discussion is how the newly configured facilities also benefit recreation opportunities for the entire student body.

The overall plan is to develop more venues for specific sports and lessen the pressure on Plaster Sports Complex. In the process, we will expand outdoor recreational facilities for students.

Plaster Sports Complex — There are several changes planned for this facility:

The east bleachers, which are several decades old, will be removed following the 2013 football season. If a student-initiated fee is passed in October, new grandstands with amenities for students will be constructed closer to the field. If the fee fails, all fans will sit on the west side.
The artificial playing surface is due to be replaced following the 2013 football season. When it is replaced, the field will be moved several feet toward the west stands.
The track, which is not in good enough shape to host a conference meet, will be removed. This entire project, including the new east grandstand that must be approved by students, is currently estimated to cost $12 million which will be funded through a combination of the proposed student fee, private gifts and University reserves.

New soccer/track/recreation venue — A new artificial surface soccer field with a new track is planned for the field north of Glass Hall. We hope to include seating for about 1,000 with a modest press box and appropriate signage and score board. This field also will be scheduled for student recreation. We estimate the cost of this project will be $6 million, which will be funded through University reserves, the proposed student athletic/recreation fee and private gifts.

New field hockey/lacrosse venue — A new artificial surface for field hockey and lacrosse will be constructed on the location of the current softball practice field and extend to Cherry Street. This project is estimated to cost $4 million, which will be funded by University reserves, the student athletic/recreation fee and private gifts.

JQH Arena locker room complex — Work on the Jim D. Morris Basketball Complex in JQH Arena is progressing on schedule. It should be completed in early November. It includes locker rooms, offices and meeting space for the Bears and Lady Bears basketball teams. The project will cost $3.5 million and is being funded totally through private gifts.

Mary Jo Wynn Achievement Center — This Center, located in the Forsythe Athletics Center, will be completed during 2014. It is being funded totally through private gifts.

Bonding from the state

As you remember, this past spring the Missouri General Assembly discussed the possibility of bonding a capital package for higher education and other state facilities. The measure passed the House, but did not have time to be discussed in the Senate. We are told that the possibility of bonding higher education projects will be on the agenda again next year.

There are many differences between the House preference (new construction) and the Senate preference (maintenance and repair), as well as the method by which the bonding would be accomplished. We are well-positioned to respond to whichever direction our legislators go, and we will continue to work closely with them on this possibility. In the meantime, I do not think we can afford to wait on this funding before moving forward with our plans.

Photo by Michael Buckner

Conclusion

The new academic year will be here soon, and I look forward to another great year working with you. I hope you will help kick the year off with me at the New Student Convocation at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, in JQH Arena. This year’s event will be special as we present John Goodman the honorary doctorate and hear his remarks. In addition to the new students and their families, I hope many faculty, staff and current students will participate.

—Clif

Send comments Follow Clif Smart on Twitter

If you didn’t know better, you would have thought Mark Frietchen was working on the construction of his own home. He was there during the design, he was actively involved during the construction, and he was there at the end using the broom to sweep up before the first guests arrived.

In reality, he was the project manager for the 121,224-square-foot Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development project. Thanks to his work, the renovation project hit the substantial completion date of March 1 on time and came in at a construction cost of $7,003,872, amounting to less than $100 per square foot. The formal dedication ceremony and open house is scheduled for Oct. 3.

About the facility

The facility that previously housed the Springfield Tablet Manufacturing Company, the Springfield Post Office, Willow Brook Foods, and Cargill Value Added Meats is now home to several units:

The eFactory (managed by Springfield Innovation, Inc.)
Small Business and Technology Development Center
Management Development Institute
Springfield Angel Network
Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Missouri Enterprise
SCORE
Printing Services and Postal Services
Cooperative engineering program with the Missouri University of Science and Technology

Going above and beyond

Mark was deeply engaged in the project, beginning with the design to ensure it achieved the goals of the facility. During the approximate 11 months of construction, he did whatever it took to keep the project running smoothly. For example, he actively assisted with the requirements of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which provided a grant of $2.75 million to construct the eFactory portion of the facility.

Mark navigated the mid-project transition between the general contractor’s project managers and regularly advocated on behalf of the University with contractors and subcontractors. Calmly and professionally, but persistently, he dealt head-on with surprises and resolved challenges that always come with projects this large and complicated.

Without special request or provocation, Mark took the initiative to custom sandblast, detail and finish a commemorative “Downstream Starts Here” manhole cover, which signifies Jordan Creek runs beneath the facility. He routinely stayed after hours to accommodate the project and keep things moving forward, and when the building was occupied, he continued to be available to assist tenants with their specific needs.

Building on a commitment to excellence

Mark has worked at Missouri State since 2009. Prior to coming to the University, he was a consulting engineer in Springfield and, for a time, provided engineering design services and HVAC and plumbing contracting services. He has two degrees from Kansas State University: a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering.

“Mark brings the experience he obtained in owning his own business to the job every day,” said Brad Kielhofner, university engineer/associate director of planning, design and construction. “He takes ownership in each project as if he has a personal stake in the end product.”

The tenants of the Plaster Center are succinct in their praise: “Without question, this project would not have been as successful without him.”