As of last week, I’ve been president of Missouri State University for 12 weeks. I can’t thank all of you enough for the hospitality you’ve shown to Kristin and me. I’ve greatly enjoyed my transition meetings as assigned by the Board of Governors. I’m looking forward to learning even more about this great university.

Busy on and off campus

I kicked off the week last Monday with a breakfast with staff at the Welcome Center. Working with Staff Senate leadership, we were able to thank and acknowledge staff for a successful start to the fall semester. It was nice to meet so many old and new staff members.

I attended the opening of the new Digital Humanities Lab in Meyer Library. This space creates yet another destination campus opportunity for our students. A big thank you to the faculty and staff of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities for their leadership with this endeavor. It’s a great addition to our campus.

Kristin and I put on our hosting shoes to welcome three student groups to our home for dinner on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings – President Scholars, Residence Life student leaders and Fraternity and Sorority Life leaders. I’m in awe of our students and the energy and leadership they bring to campus. I’m so appreciative for all the mentors who devote so much time to serving these students.

I also spoke to Bear POWER. This program provides a college experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend college. I’m so proud that we offer opportunities for all. As I was leaving the event, a father followed me out and offered an emotional, heartfelt thanks for this program and the opportunities his son will now have.

I had the privilege to attend the Lunch with a Genius featuring Jana Ault-Phillips (JD, CFP®) on Wednesday. Dr. Ault-Phillips is a clinical assistant professor of financial planning and law, and director of the financial planning program in the College of Business at Missouri State. She discussed shaping the future of estate and financial planners. I’m continually amazed by the outstanding faculty we have on our campus.

I spent Thursday in West Plains. I attended the MSU Foundation board meeting and an awesome community reception. I was so impressed with the connectivity of the MSU-WP campus with its community. What a great campus! They also have new buildings and positive enrollment growth. Their faculty, staff and administration have worked really hard to provide an exceptional education opportunity for their students.

On Friday, I had the opportunity to tour the Campus Garden. In case you don’t know, the garden is a student managed sustainability project made possible by the Sustainability Commission and Student Government Association. The project allows students to supplement their traditional education with hands-on applications that also benefit the community. They’ve also provided close to 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to our Bear Pantry.

I traveled to Tennessee to cheer on our Bears football team against UT Martin. I’m happy to report another win for the team!

To end the week, I attended a special sensory-friendly University Symphony concert on Sunday, conducted by Yi-Ping Chen, visiting assistant professor of music. Described as an “accessible” concert, it was an incredible experience. I was overwhelmed to see the audience members participating in leading the music with glow sticks.

Participate in the Public Affairs Conference

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget we have our Public Affairs Conference this week. Keynote speaker Brooke Shields will kick it off at 7 p.m. tonight in Hammons Hall. Hear from many other speakers and be part of the conversation about the role of community and individualism in American life.

I can’t thank enough all those who’ve worked so hard to bring this wonderful conference to our campus and community.

This coming weekend is Family Weekend, a Bears home football game versus Youngstown State and women’s soccer matches, so there’s a lot going on for students and campus.

I hope you all have a great week. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff