Celebrating CAFNR’s impact on Missouri agriculture

March 12, 2026

Across campus, we’re committed to meeting Missouri’s needs and delivering incredible impact for all we serve, including in rural communities. Last week, we were proud to host multiple events connecting elected officials, friends and alumni with the groundbreaking work happening in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources to support our state’s ag industry.

On Thursday, we welcomed Gov. Mike Kehoe, who joined the Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau’s annual farm forum to discuss the future of agriculture. He also met with Dr. Rob Myers and members of our Center for Regenerative Agriculture to discuss the impact of innovations such as virtual fencing, which – for the first time – makes it easy for producers to rotate grazing livestock using just GPS collars and a mobile app.

On Saturday, I joined Alpha Gamma Rho – Theta Chapter, a Mizzou social-professional agricultural fraternity, for their 110th Founders Day celebration. Present at the event were USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Mike Deering as well as more than 100 current students and alumni. Alpha Gamma Rho has a long record of service, including hosting an annual youth cattle show that in 2026 raised more than $10,000 for childhood cancer awareness. They also count many elected officials and state commodity leaders among their alumni. It was great to see their continued success.

Later that evening, we gathered in downtown Columbia for CAFNR Unlimited, an annual event focused on advancing student success across the college. We were honored to welcome Undersecretary Fordyce once again, along with Board Chair Todd Graves, Curator John Raines and many partners from Missouri’s elected and state leadership. Those in attendance included State Senators Jason Bean, Rusty Black and Kurtis Gregory, as well as Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt Schaefer and numerous commodity partners. Their presence underscored the broad reach of CAFNR’s work and its impact on Missouri’s workforce and ongoing growth.

Each event was a great opportunity to highlight the importance of CAFNR’s mission, including its contribution to Mizzou’s $5 billion in annual economic impact. I want to thank CAFNR Vice Chancellor and Dean Chris Daubert for his incredible leadership in growing research, student enrollment and engagement with the ag community. Mizzou is proud to be our state’s flagship, land-grant university and to support the success of producers and all Missourians.

— Mun

Build your Tiger legacy with Mizzou Giving Day

March 5, 2026

Mark your calendars! Mizzou Giving Day kicks off next week at noon on Wednesday, March 11. It’s your opportunity to make a difference across campus and support the continued excellence of our students, faculty and staff.

You can give directly to Mizzou initiatives that matter most to you, and there are generous matches and challenges to maximize your impact. You can also become an advocate and encourage other loyal Tigers to get involved.

As Missouri’s flagship, land-grant university, Mizzou delivers impact across the state and beyond. Whether your gift supports student scholarships, transformative research, beloved traditions, meaningful engagement or other important Mizzou programs, all Tigers – as well as the many others we serve – benefit.

Learn more at givingday.missouri.edu, and visit the Mizzou Giving Day Facebook page to show your support.

Thank you for your commitment to our incredible Tiger community.

— Mun

Fighting cancer, saving lives with our Florida alumni

March 4, 2026

At alumni events across the country, we continue to share Mizzou’s transformative impact and the critical importance of Power the Roar – a bold, $2 billion campaign to secure our land-grant mission for generations. We recently returned to Naples, Florida, home of a large and dedicated Tiger community, to showcase our work as a global leader in the fight against cancer.

One of many highlights was a luncheon featuring Dr. Gerhard Hildebrandt, an expert in blood cancer and director of the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Dr. Hildebrandt shared remarkable advancements in cancer treatment that are available right here in mid-Missouri, including CAR-T cell therapy. He also discussed the growing role of nuclear medicine and radioisotopes, such as those produced at the University of Missouri Research Reactor, as well as the importance of clinical trials in expanding breakthrough discoveries. Many prominent Mizzou supporters were in attendance, including Gary and Missy Pinkel, Mike and Christy Otten, Alan and Mary Atterbury and former chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators Julia Brncic and her husband Steve.

At our keynote presentation on Thursday evening, Dr. Paul de Figueiredo provided a moving overview of the history of cancer research at Mizzou and how he and his team are pioneering novel treatments that can greatly reduce the cost of care for patients and their families.

At each event, I enjoy sharing Mizzou’s lifesaving accomplishments with our proud alumni. I also enjoy hearing firsthand how a Mizzou education prepared them to make a difference – and how they are ready to share that same opportunity with others through Power the Roar.

— Mun

Showcase spotlights Mizzou student excellence in the arts

Feb. 24, 2026

For decades, the Chancellor’s Arts Showcase has provided a stage for the full range of Mizzou student creativity. This year’s event, held in the historic Missouri Theatre, reaffirmed our commitment to the arts – and to supporting students and their faculty mentors who make Mizzou a national leader in creative excellence.

The showcase featured imaginative art, architecture and design exhibits filling the lobby and the adjoining Columbia Art League. We also hosted a full on-stage program, including Theatre and Performance Studies scene selections, School of Visual Studies short films and a thrilling performance by the University of Missouri Wind Ensemble.

The evening included the world premiere of an ambitious new composition by Mizzou student Dean Wibe, winner of the 2026 Sinquefield Composition Prize. We remain deeply grateful to Curator Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield for their extraordinary support of music and the arts at Mizzou. Wherever I go, I meet people who have great respect for the Sinquefield Composition Prize and the Mizzou New Music Initiative – reflecting the reach of our community’s reputation and impact.

Mizzou remains committed to supporting the work and creativity of our students, who benefit from training alongside Grammy- and Guggenheim-winning faculty. I’m grateful to all our students for sharing their talent and vision, and for the incredible show of community support.

— Mun

Mizzou Club Hockey celebrates more than 50 years on the ice

Feb. 23, 2026

I recently attended Mizzou Club Ice Hockey’s final game of the season, where they decisively defeated the Creighton University Bluejays in front of more than 500 fans.

Mizzou Club Hockey has been a part of campus for 51 years, and the program has experienced exciting recent growth. Beginning this season, the team was led by Head Coach – and Cole County Prosecuting Attorney – Locke Thompson, who also played during his time at Mizzou. Coach Thompson led the Tigers to many memorable victories, and nearly every home game was sold out.

Big things are on the horizon for hockey at Mizzou. We recently announced the formation of Mizzou Club Hockey’s first-ever women’s team, reflecting a continued commitment to growth. The club also continues to build awareness and support for the hockey community in Columbia.

Mizzou Club Hockey is a Club Sport within MizzouRec. Students interested in getting involved can reach out through the organization’s page.

Congratulations to Coach Thompson and all our student-athletes!

— Mun

Student musical unites historical research and dramatic storytelling

Feb. 19, 2026

Last Friday, I attended the sold-out performance of a student-created musical that thoughtfully examines an infamous moment in American culture – and was developed through Mizzou faculty mentorship and research support.
 
Andrew Smith – a computer science and digital storytelling major with several minors including theatre – began work on an ambitious project his first semester at Mizzou and continued over two years as a Discovery Undergraduate Research Fellow in the Honors College. In 2024, the result of Andrew’s research and writing, “UNABOMBER: The Musical,” was awarded the Outstanding Honors College Research Award and workshopped at the Missouri Playwrights Workshop.
 
Andrew’s historical drama features 17 original songs from a variety of perspectives, including the victims, investigators, family members and the perpetrator. The production explores important questions about technology, mental health and society.
 
This most recent performance featured the play’s first act and was produced as part of the Mizzou New Play Series. Led by Dr. David Crespy – who also serves as Andrew’s faculty mentor – the series showcases over one weekend numerous plays created by students, faculty and alumni. This is the first musical script produced by the Mizzou New Play Series, which is committed to presenting the completed stage reading next year.
 
Congratulations to Andrew on his achievement, along with the show’s director, Andrew Moon, and all our talented Mizzou playwrights and performers.
 
— Mun

Geyer Awards honor impact and legacy of Missouri leaders 

Feb. 18, 2026

Last night at the Governor’s Mansion, we proudly honored four recipients of the 2026 Henry S. Geyer Awards. These prestigious awards are given annually by the Mizzou Alumni Association in celebration of those who have made a lasting, positive impact on higher education and the University of Missouri.

This year’s recipients – all distinguished Tiger alumni – have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to service: 

Their dedication to Missourians has improved lives and communities across the state. We were also grateful to welcome Ina Rae Brazeale, who accepted the award on her late husband’s behalf. 

It was a pleasure to be joined in the recognition ceremony by Gov. Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe, Supreme Court of Missouri Judge Mary R. Russell and Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves, among many other elected officials, campus leaders, supporters and friends of Mizzou. 

Congratulations to our 2026 Geyer Award recipients! Thank you for making a difference for all we serve. 

— Mun

Launching a new way for alumni to connect with Mizzou

Feb. 17, 2026

No one knows the power of a Mizzou education better than our alumni.

Starting today, we’re launching a new way for our more than 372,000 global alumni to stay connected to the Mizzou community – no matter where they live.

Each week, I’ll send a brief email message highlighting one notable story that reflects our teaching, research and engagement mission, along with a quick update to keep you informed on the latest at Mizzou.

Our first message features the story of Kimber Auerbach, M Ed ’24, a Mizzou graduate who serves as a media officer for USA Hockey at the Winter Olympics! All alumni should receive their message shortly. If you’d like to subscribe, please reach out to the Mizzou Alumni Association.

There are so many ways our incredible students, faculty and staff make a difference in our state and nation – and our alumni serve as industry leaders around the world. I’m thankful for your support, and I’m thrilled to share my pride and gratitude with you every week.

M-I-Z!

— Mun

Support local families during the 20th annual Miracles for Kids Radiothon

Feb. 12, 2026

Next week, MU Health Care and the Children’s Miracle Network are teaming up with Zimmer Communications, Multipli Credit Union and other local businesses to help mid-Missouri kids receive the care they need to be kids – and we need your help to make a difference.

Beginning Thursday, February 19, Zimmer radio stations will launch a two-day radiothon to support MU Health Care’s Children’s Hospital and ensure all kids have access to care designed specifically for their needs, including more than 30 pediatric specialties and programs like child life and music therapy.

Your support helps kids like Max, Mid-Missouri’s 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child. Max spent his first 97 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Today, he’s a healthy, energetic 10-year-old thanks to the world-class team at MU Health Care. This radiothon helps ensure that more kids like Max receive the same exceptional care while staying close to home.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the radiothon, and we’ve raised more than $4 million to date. Last year alone, our community contributed more than $456,000, nearly doubling the previous year’s total. I know we can make an even bigger impact in 2026.

The radiothon begins next Thursday, February 19, through Friday, February 20, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day on Y107, Clear 99, 94.3 KAT Country, 93.9 The Eagle and KWOS 950 AM/104.5 FM. During the event, you can contribute by calling 1-866-970 GIVE (4483) or texting MIRACLE to 34984.

You can also show your support today by visiting the Miracles for Kids page. Thank you for helping us save and improve lives – including those of our youngest patients.

— Mun

Mizzou faculty, ensemble-in-residence win Grammy!

Feb. 2, 2026

Last night in Los Angeles, Alarm Will Sound, a group featuring Mizzou School of Music faculty Stefan Freund and Bill Kalinkos, won the Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance! They were honored for their recording of Donnacha Dennehy’s composition, “Land of Winter.” Alarm Will Sound is the ensemble-in-residence for the Mizzou New Music Initiative, so while the award celebrates two of our faculty members, it also reflects global recognition of our ensemble and music programs.

Both Dr. Freund and Dr. Kalinkos are faculty members in the College of Arts and Science’s School of Music and founding members of the 20-person Alarm Will Sound ensemble. For the past 15 years, Alarm Will Sound has also served as ensemble-in-residence for the annual Mizzou International Composers Festival and is in residence at Mizzou each January. The ensemble’s first experience with “Land of Winter” was at the Missouri Theatre.

Thanks to the extraordinary support and vision of Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, Rex Sinquefield and the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation, Mizzou is an established destination for music performance and composition. The Mizzou New Music Initiative, under the artistic direction of Dr. Freund, brings remarkable opportunities to campus, and now our students can study with 2026 Grammy Award–winning faculty. Just last week, we also welcomed the world‑renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for an astounding performance in Jesse Auditorium.

Congratulations to the entire ensemble!

— Mun