Texas Tigers unite in Dallas
Jan. 21, 2026
It was great to be back in Dallas for Power the Roar, our transformative campaign to raise $2 billion and secure Mizzou’s land-grant mission for generations.
We hosted a compelling discussion titled “Our Nuclear Future” at the historic George W. Bush Presidential Center. The panel featured three Mizzou experts with proven success in the nuclear field: Professor John Gahl, MU College of Engineering; Mike Hoehn, executive director of NextGen MURR; and Dale E. Klein, former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the event’s keynote speaker.
Together, they highlighted Mizzou’s leadership as the nation’s sole domestic supplier of four lifesaving radioisotopes produced at MURR. They also shared how Power the Roar is building on our expertise and establishing Mizzou – and Missouri – as the premier hub for radioisotope research, manufacturing and innovation.
In addition to our marquee event, Tigers had other opportunities to connect with campus and each other, including a special gathering for volunteers and supporters at the Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets game. Campaign Leadership Committee member Frank Shelden – a longtime docent at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum – also generously hosted a special event for local alumni and donors.
I was proud to share the many ways Mizzou is saving and improving lives, including through NextGen MURR – our ambitious plan to build a new state-of-the-art reactor to serve our nation – and our partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to secure a reliable, domestic source of radioisotopes. Each initiative directly benefits the health and security of the United States, while also creating new jobs and economic opportunities for our state.
— Mun
Supporting all Missourians with Gov. Mike Kehoe
Jan. 14, 2026
Yesterday, I was proud to attend Gov. Mike Kehoe’s 2026 State of the State address at the capitol in Jefferson City. During his address, Gov. Kehoe outlined a bold vision for our state’s future, including sustained support for higher education.
Mizzou and the UM System share the Governor’s priorities for a stronger Missouri, including responsible spending, agricultural education, job-ready students and nuclear breakthroughs. Gov. Kehoe’s budget recommendations secure our land-grant mission and keep Missouri, and our nation, at the forefront of innovations that make a difference.
From Extension outreach in each Missouri county to lifesaving radioisotopes at MURR, Mizzou strengthens our state’s workforce, drives economic development and creates more opportunities for all. We look forward to partnering with Gov. Kehoe and elected officials to share Mizzou’s proven impact for Missourians.
— Mun
Mizzou made history in 2025
Dec. 22, 2025
Congratulations to the nearly 1,700 Tigers who graduated last weekend – as well as to the military officers commissioned through Mizzou Army, Air Force and Naval ROTC. We’re so proud of our newest alumni and can’t wait to see the great things you’ll accomplish next.
2025 was an incredible year at Mizzou, including milestones like the launch of our transformative Power the Roar campaign and our thrilling win over kU in the Border Showdown.
While the semester has ended, our momentum continues. We need all fans and supporters to join us in Jacksonville, Florida on December 27 for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – where Coach Drinkwitz and the Tigers will take on the Virginia Cavaliers. We also have a special ticket offer just for Mizzou students.
Thank you to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters for your dedication to excellence throughout the year. I look forward to working with you to build on our success in 2026.
— Mun
Mizzou welcomes world-renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 17, 2025
We’re thrilled to host the acclaimed St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Jesse Auditorium on January 28 for a night of extraordinary music.
Featuring conductor Samuel Hollister and violinist Celeste Golden Andrews, the orchestra will perform favorite compositions including Dag Wirén’s Concert Overture, Op. 2; Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending; and Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 43.
Through December 31, we have a special deal for those hoping to secure their tickets early (or in time for the holidays). Book through this link for 20% off and share the gift of world-class music.
I want to thank Veterans United, Missouri Arts Council, the City of Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Columbia, MO Convention and Visitors Bureau – as well as our own University Concert Series and College of Arts and Science – for helping bring this incredible experience to Columbia.
Now in its 146th year, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the country’s second-oldest orchestra and continues its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. We are honored to have the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at Mizzou, and I hope you’ll join us for this remarkable performance.
— Mun
Powering the future of rural America
Dec. 16, 2025
Last week, we hosted the inaugural roundtable and public launch of the Center for Rural Energy Security (CRES) – the nation’s first university institute dedicated to energy policy and research with a specific focus on agriculture, rural communities and rural economic development.
Led by Dr. Michael Sykuta, CRES features Mizzou faculty experts in economics, engineering, ag policy, energy policy and environmental law, among other key areas. The center unites their expertise with state energy leaders and the center’s founding partners, including Missouri Farm Bureau, Associated Electric Cooperative, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Ameren and Evergy. The roundtable was our first opportunity to share the center’s research and hear directly from partners about how our work can benefit Missouri’s energy future. CAFNR Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher Daubert and Arts & Science Dean Cooper Drury also shared remarks about the center’s vision and impact.
CRES is one of many ways Mizzou works with industry and government to address evolving energy needs. Our new Energy Innovation Center will drive energy research and public policy to meet rising demand. Mizzou is also home to the nation’s most powerful university research reactor, MURR – and plans are underway for an even more powerful reactor to serve as a national hub of nuclear innovation and research, NextGen MURR.
We’re grateful to CRES partners for their continued support. Together, we can create impactful solutions for abundant, secure energy that powers each Missouri community and supports our state’s top economic driver: agriculture.
— Mun
Elite scholarship awarded to Mizzou senior
Dec. 9, 2025
I’m thrilled to share that Josh Donaldson, a senior biological engineering major and Honors student, was just selected as a 2026 Marshall Scholar! The award is highly competitive, with a selection rate of about 4%.
This prestigious honor was established over 70 years ago and has enabled more than 2,000 outstanding Americans to pursue postgraduate study at universities throughout the United Kingdom. Past recipients have gone on to incredible careers, including as U.S. Supreme Court justices, members of Congress and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Earlier this year, Josh also earned the Truman Scholarship (around 8% selection rate). He previously won the Critical Language Scholarship (around 10% selection rate) and was a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship.
In June, he received a Remington R. Williams Award from the University of Missouri Board of Curators. This honor recognizes Josh’s dedication to academic excellence and campus involvement, including his roles with Tiger Pantry, Truman’s Closet, the Missouri Students Association, Engineers Without Borders, Involvement Ambassadors and many other initiatives that make a difference for others.
Along the way, Josh was supported by incredible faculty and staff, as well as the MU Office of Global and National Fellowships. This campus resource helps students explore and prepare for opportunities to study around the country and world. Fellowship advisors offer one-on-one consultations as well as guidance on application materials. All students are encouraged to reach out and see how the office can help achieve their goals.
Congratulations, Josh! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
— Mun
Deck the Columns spreads Mizzou cheer
Dec. 5, 2025
Yesterday, we hosted our fifth annual campuswide holiday celebration, Deck the Columns. Despite cold weather moving some activities inside Jesse Hall, we still welcomed hundreds of Mizzou students, faculty, staff and families for festive food, music and fun.
Highlights included classic seasonal songs performed by Mini Mizzou, a holiday photo opportunity with Truman the Tiger and wagon rides around Francis Quadrangle courtesy of the Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine Mule Team.
Deck the Columns is also about giving back to others. The Mizzou United Way Campaign, Tiger Pantry and Truman’s Closet were on-site to collect donations and share their mission to support our community.
We were proud to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with fellow Tigers. Thank you to all who attended, and to the many volunteers who made this year’s Deck the Columns such a success.
— Mun
Mizzou welcomes NCAA Cross Country National Championships to Columbia
Nov. 25, 2025
This past weekend, we proudly hosted the 2025 NCAA Cross Country National Championships at Gans Creek Cross Country Course for the first time in Mizzou history. More than 6,000 fans packed the course to cheer on more than 500 student-athletes from nearly 50 universities.
The Mizzou women’s team competed for a national title for the first time since 2016. Freshman Monica Wanjiku finished 35th overall, earning All-American honors. The Tigers placed 28th in a strong field with some of the nation’s most elite competitors.
We’ve hosted several other major meets during the 2025 season, including the Gans Creek Classic.
Our cross-country facility is among the best in the country. Hosting premier tournaments elevates Mizzou Athletics and draws thousands of visitors who experience the best of the Columbia community.
We look forward to welcoming even more nationally recognized events to Gans Creek in the future.
— Mun
NPR, Boston Globe highlight Mizzou’s success in evolving higher ed landscape
Nov. 19, 2025
Mizzou research is central to the health and defense of our nation. We shared that important message of support in a recent episode of WNYC’s “On the Media,” which was broadcast on NPR. Reporter Hilary Burns visited campus and toured MURR to see firsthand the incredible impact of our radioisotope research and production.
During our interview, I also discussed the vital role of federally-funded research in advancing groundbreaking projects like MURR – and our transformative new reactor, NextGen MURR. Key to our comprehensive research success (from nuclear medicine to AI and agriculture) is working alongside elected leaders and listening to their feedback so we can best focus on our land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach.
You can listen to the latest episode here, which discusses the evolution of government-university research partnerships. Mizzou is featured around 24:00. This coverage is part of an ongoing series, “The Harvard Plan,” produced by the Boston Globe and “On the Media.”
Mizzou continues to receive incredible support from state and federal partners. By coming together – and always acting with the best interests of the university and Missouri in mind – we can make a profound difference in our state, while delivering even more impact for all.
We continue to receive national attention for our outreach on behalf of Mizzou’s research excellence, including praise for our approach adjusting to the changing landscape of higher education. It’s an honor to work with our many constituents to save and improve lives in Missouri and around the country.
— Mun
A tradition of gratitude: Saluting Whiteman AFB and our military
Nov. 19, 2025
Before last Saturday’s dominant win over Mississippi State, I had the privilege of attending the annual tailgate for Whiteman Air Force Base outside Mizzou Arena.
For 27 years, Joe and Fran Scallorns have hosted this important event, bringing together base leadership, those serving at Whiteman AFB and their families to cheer on the Tigers. It’s also a meaningful opportunity for all of Mizzou to show our tremendous gratitude to our military community.
Hundreds attended this year, including Director of Athletics Laird Veatch and Col. Timothy Griffith, Deputy Commander of the 509th Bomb Wing – the unit that operates the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. I’m deeply grateful to all the airmen who keep watch and protect our country, as well as to their families who support this vital mission.
Saturday was also Mizzou Football’s Military Appreciation game. Athletics distribute 300 free tickets to ROTC cadets and midshipmen, as well as to members of the Mizzou Student Veterans Association. The Student Veterans Association was also honored on-field during the game, along with Whiteman AFB leadership.
Mizzou is proud to recognize those who serve and to share our appreciation for their sacrifice and leadership. I also want to thank Joe and Fran for organizing another successful tailgate bringing together the Mizzou and Whiteman AFB communities.
— Mun
