The Board of Governors met on the Friday before Homecoming. I wanted to take a moment to update you on the highlights from the Board meeting.

Board expands employee benefits, recognizes University supporters

At the Programs and Planning Committee meeting, the Board provided feedback on the draft mission, vision and values statements. If you have not had the opportunity to review these statements and provide your feedback, I would encourage you to do so. You can find these statements and a feedback form on the Long-Range Plan webpage.

During its regular meeting, the Board watched two excellent student presentations. The University’s award winning Ad Team presented at the beginning of the meeting. Four undergraduate students presented to the Board on their research at the end of the meeting. I received multiple comments from Board members about how impressed they were with the student presenters.

Board expands employee benefits

The Board approved a set of expanded benefits under the University’s health and dental plans. The University increased hospice care coverage from $2,000 to $10,000. The revised plan will also cover wigs resulting from medical treatment, breast pumps and related equipment, and hearing aids for newborns. The University also expanded dental coverage to certain adult dependent children of eligible employees (up to 26 years of age). You can find detailed information about these and other coverage on the employee benefits webpage.

The Board approved awards to two individuals for their support of Missouri State University.

Dr. Norm Shealy recognized with Bronze Bear Award

The University will recognize Dr. Norman Shealy with the Bronze Bear Award.

Dr. Shealy has been a longtime friend of the University. Dr. Shealy donated his 250 acre farm in Fair Grove, Missouri to the Foundation, and he established the Mary-Charlotte Bayles Shealy Chair in Conscientious Psychology in Missouri State’s department of psychology.

Board names first recipient of Government Excellence Award

The University will recognize Senator Mike Parson with the Government Excellence Award.

Senator Parson has demonstrated outstanding support for the University in the legislature since 2004. He spent multiple years championing a capital bonding package that resulted in a state appropriation of $18.9 million to Missouri State University to renovate Ellis, Hill and Missouri halls.

Dr. Shealy and Senator Parson will receive their awards at the University’s December commencement ceremonies.

Contract approved for Glass Hall renovation, addition

The Board approved a contract with DeWitt & Associates for the renovation and addition to Glass Hall. We broke ground on the Glass Hall project on the Thursday before Homecoming, and we’re excited to see construction get underway. This project will provide our students with a significantly improved learning environment when it opens in the fall of 2017.

Finally, the Board voted to name the addition to Glass Hall the Robert Gourley Student Success Center in recognition of a significant gift commitment from Robert and Marlese Gourley.

Please join me in thanking the Gourleys for their investment in the future of our students.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!