President Choi’s Blog
Awards recognize excellence in shared governance
April 8, 2025
During last week’s General Faculty Meeting, I was proud to join Professor Tom Warhover, chair of Mizzou’s Faculty Council, in announcing winners of the 2024-25 Shared Governance Awards. This honor recognizes those who show extraordinary commitment to shared governance and have made a proven impact on our community. Recognition includes an award sponsored by the Office of the President.
This year we celebrated two outstanding recipients:
• Dr. Bill Horner, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor, for his 25 years of work focused on effective faculty governance and the democratic process.
• The MU Task Force on Artificial Intelligence in the Learning Environment for contributing valuable perspectives that continue to shape our AI polices.
Mizzou’s world-class faculty are dedicated to making a difference. Their partnership remains essential to delivering our land-grant mission of service and excellence. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and thank you for your commitment to Mizzou.
— Mun
Documentary screening brings leading investors to campus
April 4, 2025
I recently attended a screening of “Tune Out the Noise,” an incredible documentary about a group of unlikely but brilliant upstarts who revolutionized investing in the mid-20th century by harnessing the emerging power of computers and data. More than 225 were in attendance, including around 175 economics and finance students, along with many community members from financial institutions.
We were joined by two of the documentary’s main subjects, Mr. Rex Sinquefield and Curator Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, PhD. Together with David Booth (a Kansas-native), the Sinquefields launched Dimension Fund Advisors and pioneered the first passive index funds. Key themes in the film include the principles of “markets are efficient over time” and “diversification in financial assets is your friend.” The impact of their work can be seen in the amount of assets invested in passive index funds that exceed $17 trillion. The documentary is directed by Oscar award-winning filmmaker Errol Morris and follows their remarkable story of perseverance over naysayers through grit, determination, focus and vision. The event was hosted by the College of Arts and Science.
After the screening, the Sinquefields joined Professor Jeff Milyo, chair of our Department of Economics, on-stage to discuss the film and answer a range of questions, including career advice for students. They also offered their expert perspectives on the future of investing.
Mizzou is a top university for future leaders, and we are proud to prepare students to create new innovations with impact. It was great seeing the enthusiasm of our community and hearing firsthand how the Sinquefields changed the world.
You can see the movie here: dimensional.com/film.
— Mun
Nuclear innovation and the future of energy with Craig Piercy
April 3, 2025
In 1955, University of Missouri President Elmer Ellis shared a vision for how Mizzou could become a leader in the peaceful application of nuclear technology – leading to the creation of the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). Yesterday, our community had a historic opportunity to honor that vision and hear from one of the nation’s foremost experts on nuclear energy and policy.
We were proud to welcome Craig Piercy, CEO and executive director of the American Nuclear Society, for the third President’s Distinguished Lecture. In front of a full auditorium – including former Senator Roy Blunt, Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, Curator Keith Holloway and other leaders – Mr. Piercy outlined the history of nuclear energy in the United States and the immense potential for new developments to provide safe, reliable energy for the future.
Mr. Piercy also highlighted the lifesaving impact of nuclear medicine, including MURR’s status as a “national treasure” and a “hidden crown jewel.” It’s easy to see why MURR is such a critical resource. We provide the most nuclear isotopes of any organization in the Western Hemisphere. MURR is also the only domestic source of four cancer-fighting radioisotopes. There is no other place like MURR in the country or world.
While on campus, Mr. Piercy also helped us celebrate a ribbon cutting for the recently completed expansion to our research reactor facility. Referred to as MURR West, this new addition adds 47,000 square feet, including dedicated lab space for innovative research, medical isotope production and collaborative projects with industry partners. We were joined by many elected officials, university leaders and community supporters, including former Senator Blunt, Curator and former Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer and Board Chair Todd Graves.
Mizzou is a national (and global) leader in nuclear science and research. I want to thank Mr. Piercy for visiting our community and for sharing his vision for a better future through nuclear innovation.
— Mun
Surprising our 2025 Kemper Fellows!
March 19, 2025
Each year, leaders from Mizzou and Commerce Bank partner together and announce winners of the prestigious William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence by surprising them during class. Yesterday, our team visited Strickland Hall to recognize this year’s fifth and final Kemper Fellow, Dr. Julie Passanante Elman.
We’re now proud to share Mizzou’s 2025 class of Kemper Fellows:
• Amy Simons – professor, Missouri School of Journalism
• Pamela Brown – associate professor of biological sciences, College of Arts and Science
• Dennis K. Miller – associate professor of psychological sciences, College of Arts and Science
• Tamara Hancock – assistant teaching professor, College of Veterinary Medicine
• Julie Passanante Elman – associate professor of women’s and gender studies, College of Arts and Science
Mizzou’s faculty are world-class, and the Kemper Fellowship is the campus’s highest recognition for teaching excellence. Throughout the year, Kemper Fellows also serve as ambassadors of Mizzou’s outreach and commitment to student success. We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and the many ways they prepare Tigers to make a difference.
Next month, each fellow will be formally honored during a ceremony that includes firsthand stories of their life-changing impact. Congratulations again to our 2025 Kemper Fellows!
— Mun
Sharing our impact with elected leaders
March 14, 2025
(Left) Matt Sanford, Congressman Sam Graves, President Choi and Michael Hoehn II. (Center) Congressman Wesley Bell and President Choi. (Right) Congressman Bob Onder and President Choi.
I was recently in Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Missouri’s Congressional delegation, including Senator Eric Schmitt, Congressman Mark Alford, Congressman Wesley Bell, Congressman Sam Graves, Congressman Bob Onder and Congressman Jason Smith. I shared the incredible impact of Mizzou and the UM System, including our proven momentum in student success, research excellence and community engagement. I was joined by MURR Executive Director Matt Sanford and NextGen MURR Program Director Michael Hoehn II to discuss the growth of our research reactor program and its ongoing importance to cancer research and treatment in the United States.
This week, our students were also at the State Capitol in Jefferson City to present their own groundbreaking research and to share with lawmakers how their work on campus can improve lives around Missouri. Ten Mizzou undergraduates displayed a range of projects, including innovative research into power grid security and improving the well-being of veterans.
Mizzou makes a difference in each of Missouri’s 114 counties and in communities across the nation and beyond. I am always proud to share our impact and to discuss ways we can continue to support our state’s workforce needs while delivering incredible value for all Missourians.
— Mun
Mizzou Gymnastics reaches new heights
March 12, 2025
This past Sunday, our No. 7 ranked Mizzou Gymnastics team defeated the No. 13 Auburn Tigers at home in the Hearnes Center, winning with a record-breaking score of 198.100 to 197.0150 – the highest score in program history! With their win on Senior Day, the Tigers became one of only five teams in the NCAA to reach 198.000 this season. It was also the first time in program history the Tigers went undefeated at home during regular season competition.
One of many standouts from the day was senior Amari Celestine, who tied her career best score for her final home meet floor routine with 9.975. She also set the tempo in performance with the sixth-best all-around score in program history at 39.650.
This week, the Tigers continue their dominance in the national rankings at No.7. This marks the seventh week in a row that the Tigers are in the Top 10. Their final regular season meet is this Friday against the No. 16 Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
It’s been fantastic to watch our Mizzou Tigers compete in another record-setting season. I can’t wait to continue watching their accomplishments leading into the post-season.
M-I-Z!
— Mun
Advancing the future with our Florida alumni
March 5, 2025
We are proud to continue our nationwide tour that brings the best of Mizzou to alumni wherever they live. Most recently, I joined the Mizzou team for a stop in Florida to meet with loyal Tigers in the Naples area.
Athletic Director Laird Veatch provided an update on the incredible success of Mizzou Athletics, which includes highly ranked teams in both football and men’s basketball. We also heard from MURR Executive Director Matt Sanford and NextGen MURR Program Director Mike Hoehn II about the global importance of our research reactor. For example, Mizzou is the only source of the radioisotope lutetium-177 in the United States. Lutetium-177 is a key ingredient in Pluvicto, a medicine used to treat prostate cancer that was just advertised during the Super Bowl.
We are confident there’s even more we can achieve, and we’re grateful for our alumni who are ready to work with us to build the future. Among the many distinguished Tigers in attendance, we are grateful to Jefferson Club Board Member Roger Harris for providing an inspiring introduction. We were also pleased to welcome Paul Vogel, who recently made a transformative gift to grow our School of Accountancy. Additionally, I had an opportunity to meet with Don and Audrey Walsworth (Walsworth, Inc.) as well as Rollie and Tina Bartels (Club Car Wash). We had great discussions about the many ways Mizzou can make an impact.
I enjoyed sharing the undeniable momentum of our community and seeing the amazing enthusiasm for Mizzou’s mission. I’m looking forward to the next series of alumni gatherings this summer.
— Mun
Mizzou Law team claims monumental victory at global antitrust competition
Feb. 27, 2025
Last weekend, three Mizzou Law students placed first at the prestigious Global Antitrust Institute annual moot court competition in Washington D.C. The competition covered antitrust law in both the U.S. and the European Union, and Mizzou’s team outlasted some of the top law schools in the nation, as well as others from India and Brazil.
Luke Nutwell, Eric Siemens and Austin Siener withstood six rounds of argument, including a final round judged by Judge Douglas Ginsburg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and other high-ranking federal litigators and leaders.
“This is a monumental achievement for our law school,” said Thom Lambert, Mizzou Law professor, Wall Chair in Corporate Law and Governance and team mentor. “It required a tremendous amount of work on the part of Luke, Eric and Austin and reflects the excellence of our entire community.”
There is so much momentum at Mizzou Law, including an incredible 50% increase in applications for the incoming law school class of 2028. I want to recognize Professor Lambert, Dean Paul Litton and all Mizzou Law faculty and staff for their commitment to supporting our students.
“I believe Mizzou is seeing a larger increase in applications because the word is out,” said Dean Litton. “Students are realizing that without a doubt, a Mizzou Law degree is one of the best values in the nation, both in the quality of education and the total cost.”
I can’t wait to see what our Mizzou Law community achieves next!
— Mun
Chancellor’s Arts Showcase spotlights student creative excellence
Feb. 25, 2025
This past Friday, the Chancellor’s Arts Showcase brought more than 700 supporters of the arts together to celebrate the creativity of our students across a range of disciplines.
It was a night to remember as nearly 120 students participated in a live showcase and an expanded exhibition that stretched across the Missouri Theatre and the Columbia Art League. I spoke to a number of students about their incredible work, and I enjoyed the many remarkable examples of Tiger excellence and ambition.
The showcase included special recognition of the 2025 Sinquefield Composition Prize winner Giovanni Porfirio, a master’s student at Mizzou. The crowd also experienced the thrilling premiere of his new piece “Clickbait” performed by the University Philharmonic Orchestra. We remain grateful to both Curator Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield for their incredible support of this prestigious award and the arts at Mizzou.
Our students’ hard work and accomplishments were on full display. We are proud to share their talents with our community.
— Mun
Student Affairs staff wins 2025 NASPA Excellence Award
Feb. 24, 2025
We are proud to celebrate three Student Affairs staff members who were recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) for their contributions to higher education and commitment to excellence.
Dr. Tyler Page, director of Mizzou Housing; Morgan Myers, assistant director of Student Care and Community Standards; and Haley Hamblin-Dold, basic needs coordinator with the Care Team, received a Silver Award for Home@Mizzou – a campus program that supports and works with in-need students to find stable accommodations. Home@Mizzou was honored in the category of Contracted Services, Housing and Residence Life, highlighting the innovation and impact of our outreach on student success and well-being.
Started in 2019, the Home@Mizzou program is for students identified as housing insecure or homeless. Students in this educational program work with staff, learn strategies to strengthen their finances, secure employment, address mental health concerns and ultimately secure permanent housing.
The team will be honored at an upcoming awards ceremony in New Orleans during the annual NASPA Conference. Thank you to Tyler, Morgan and Haley for their immense contributions to our Tigers and campus.
— Mun