This is a big week not only at Missouri State University, but across the country.

Today is Election Day. There are many issues that are important to so many people. I hope you either voted early or are voting today. It’s a privilege we shouldn’t take for granted.

The Greene County Clerk designated the Missouri State campus as a central polling place for Greene County residents several years ago. For prior elections, the Welcome Center served as the location. Due to the expected large turnout, for today, it has been moved to Great Southern Bank Arena. Polls are open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

Honor our veterans

Next Monday is Veterans Day; however, Missouri State will host a celebration this Friday. It’s important for us to honor our veterans and their service to our country.

Our mission as a university is to provide quality service to all military-affiliated students. We do this by helping empower them to successfully transition to college and equip them to be productive in the civilian workforce.

We’ll begin our celebration with the traditional Veterans Day Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the PSU Ballroom. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m. Please register if you plan to attend. Thank you to Central Bank/Central Trust for sponsoring the breakfast.

The Taps Project begins at 10:55 a.m. with the playing of the national anthem in front of McDonald Arena. At 11:11 a.m., Taps will be played across campus (beginning and ending at McDonald Arena) by Missouri State trumpeters along with members of the Missouri State Bear Battalion. I’ve heard this is an incredibly moving ceremony. I’m looking forward to attending.

A successful Showcase

One last item, Admissions presented Fall Showcase on Saturday, where we host prospective students and their families. They can tour residence halls, meet with faculty, eat in the dining halls and a few even attend my welcome to campus opening.

What a great day! We had 645 students attend compared with 614 last year and 620 in 2022. In the fall, mostly seniors attend. Spring Showcase will take place on March 29 – when we typically see more juniors. More than 300 people from across the university volunteer to make this a successful event, where prospective students and their families are made to feel welcomed as they have a more hands-on experience with our campus.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered on Saturday and for those who worked behind the scenes preparing for months in advance to make this a wonderful experience.

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

Biff