We’ve reached the middle of the semester — a great time to take stock of what we’ve accomplished so far. In recent weeks, we’ve rolled out a new strategic plan, opened state-of-the-art facilities and clocked other big wins.

Igniting Opportunity

The university’s new Strategic Plan, “Igniting Opportunity,” rolled out September 22. President Richard “Biff” Williams discussed the plan’s key priorities: Academic Opportunities and Innovation, Community Partnerships and Economic Development, Institution of Choice for Students and Employees, Student and Alumni Experience and Branding and Identity.

President Williams also shared good news about community collaborations and academic innovations that serve the public and spark opportunity across our campus and region. Take a moment to review the State of the University address, including the rollout of “Igniting Opportunity.”

Celebrating New Academic Facilities

September 29 marked the grand opening of the Construction Education Success Center. This addition to Kemper Hall facilitates specialized training opportunities that will benefit our students and our region’s economic development for years to come.

On September 12, we observed a happy milestone, the dedication of the Roy Blunt Hall addition. An enthusiastic crowd celebrated this achievement and toured the addition, which was designed to support high-impact STEM research and education. Following the dedication, Governor Mike Kehoe held a ceremonial signing of legislation that authorized PhD programs at Missouri State.

More About PhDs

If you’re curious about the potential for Missouri State’s research doctorates, check out our recent Q&A with Dr. Johannes Strobel, dean of the Graduate College. Strobel told us: “We’re not stuck in a definition that comes from old models of what PhDs look like. We can be intentional, different.”

“We’re not stuck in a definition that comes from old models of what PhDs look like. We can be intentional, different.”

—Dr. Johannes Strobel

Preparing for Our Accreditation Visit

In March, we’ll welcome peer reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for an on-site visit. It’s the ultimate step in the ongoing reaffirmation process of HLC accreditation. President Williams recently provided an overview of the process and encouraged members of our campus community to participate. Take a moment to learn more about the upcoming visit. And check out this HLC guide for FAQs, timelines and more.

Round of Applause

Two notable accomplishments from recent weeks:

• The department of information technology and cybersecurity earned the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation. This recognition signifies that the program meets the highest national standards, preparing students with skills that are necessary for federal cybersecurity work.
• The MSU Care Clinic, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this month, was recognized as a Springfield Business Journal Health Care Champion.

Quotable

And two inspiring insights from people we’ve spoken with this semester:

• “We know people love eating locally. Using Mo State Beef and ingredients grown on our campus — you can’t get more local than that.” —Wajeana Bonczyk on this semester’s iteration of Carrie’s Café
• “My favorite saying is ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind.’ I try to model this for my students. I’ve found that if I suggest we all meet up at a ball game or the Public Affairs Conference or the Homecoming parade, 99% of the time, they want to do it. They just need someone to reach out, so I try to be someone who does that.” —Natalie Allen, recipient of the 2025 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, on how she views her role as faculty