Hello!

I can’t believe we are getting ready to be back on campus and start the school year. I hope everyone had a great summer. I know I definitely did! This summer, I enjoyed being a SOAR leader and welcoming incoming students and their families, and all I can say is that Missouri State’s future is bright!

This summer has been very busy so let me bring you up to speed on everything new! First of all, our State Government gifted Missouri State a $10 million increase in our core operating funding and $2.85 million in a one-time fund to expand the nursing program. With the increased funding, we were able to save students money and only increase tuition minimally, and were able to give faculty and staff a raise that they deserve. For our student workers, you also got a raise! With this appropriation, Missouri State was able to increase the minimum wage to $8.60.

As you walk around campus, you will also see some changes. Woods House was renovated this summer and looks incredible! In the Plaster Student Union (PSU), you will see a brand new Starbucks layout and design. Grill Nation and Papa Johns are out but that means new options! The PSU will now have Freddy’s and a Pasta and Salad option named Madison Ave Pasta Company! So don’t forget to add those Boomer Meals and meal plans. You can defer it to your account for the first three weeks of school!

Lastly, get ready for more bears on campus! More bear statues are expected to be around campus and in the community! The College of Business recently installed a bear outside of Glass Hall, thanks to the Class of 2018 for the generous donation. Student Government Association (SGA) partnered up with the PSU to do a paint-a-bear statue contest and we received great submissions, so stay tuned to see what the bear will look like on the south lawn near McDonald Arena.

I hope you enjoyed these updates! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach me at Abdillahi1997@live.missouristate.edu!