Clover Classic raises $80,000 for Missouri 4-H
June 4, 2026
On Tuesday, I was grateful to attend the 16th Annual Missouri 4-H Foundation’s Clover Classic Golf Tournament. The annual fundraiser benefits Missouri 4-H and their important work developing citizenship, leadership and life skills for the next generation.
This year’s tournament raised an incredible $80,000 thanks to the many generous participants, sponsors and donors. Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $870,000 to support youth initiatives and hands-on programs, including many in agriculture. Founded in 1949, the Missouri 4-H Foundation helps maximize the reach and impact of Missouri 4-H, a part of MU Extension, throughout the state.
We’re also proud to host the tournament at the Gustin Golf Course, Mizzou’s championship, 18-hole course that showcases 127 acres of natural prairie. It was great to come together as a community to show support for Missouri 4-H’s mission.
Thank you to all this year’s participants and to the Missouri 4-H Foundation for making a difference for more than 62,000 4-H youth across Missouri.
— Mun
103 years and a lifetime of service
June 2, 2026
As we mark our 250th anniversary as a country, I’m proud to highlight Tigers who provide extraordinary examples of service and excellence. Few show that dedication more than Mr. Edward Matheny Jr. (BA ‘43), who will turn 103 next month.
Raised in Kansas City, Mr. Matheny was a history major at Mizzou and an active part of our campus community, including as a Sigma Chi fraternity brother, Phi Beta Kappa member, editor of the yearbook, the Savitar, and a forward on the Mizzou Basketball team. He and his teammates were looking ahead to a series of games out West when news broke about the attack on Pearl Harbor, changing the course of his life.
After graduation, Mr. Matheny went on to serve as an officer under two legendary World War II leaders: Admiral Chester Nimitz, commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, and Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, commander of the 5th Fleet. Following his distinguished service, he attended Harvard Law School, eventually returning to Kansas City and becoming a managing partner at the law firm now known as Husch Blackwell.
Mr. Matheny remains a fixture of the Kansas City community and has served as a leader supporting a number of important causes and institutions, including Saint Luke’s Hospital. He still enjoys attending events at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, gatherings at Husch Blackwell and, as a True Son, Tiger basketball games.
We’re thrilled to wish Mr. Matheny a happy upcoming birthday and to show our appreciation for all veterans and active-duty military members who continue Mizzou’s legacy of service.
— Mun
Mizzou welcomes more than 10,000 to campus for summer events
May 29, 2026
It’s the start of summer at Mizzou, and our campus remains a busy place. Throughout the coming weeks, we’ll welcome more than 10,000 participants from across Missouri and beyond for conferences, camps, internships and other important programs that support student success and workforce development.
Beginning this week, Missouri 4-H, an MU Extension program, will welcome youth and high school leaders to support the next generation of agricultural excellence. We’re proud to host the 4-H Teen Conference, the State Congress and State Council Training. These opportunities give students hands-on experience in the ag industry and help them give back to their communities and the entire state.
Today also marks the start of MURR’s Nuclear Science Career Academy (NSCA) internship. MURR developed this program to support career development for those interested in the nuclear industry. The second cohort of 28 NSCA interns will earn a deeper understanding of reactor operations, regulations and nuclear innovation at Mizzou.
Then at the beginning of June, Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) will host more than 10 high school students for the four-day Advanced Veterinary Academy. Led by CVM faculty, this intensive program dives into the daily responsibilities of a veterinary student. This year marked the program’s highest-ever number of applicants.
These are just three examples of how Mizzou is continuing to advance our land-grant mission of teaching, research and service now and throughout the year. We’re proud to welcome everyone to Mizzou and to share our world-class campus with Missouri and the world.
— Mun
Kicking off a centennial season
May 26, 2026
We are just 100 days from the start of Mizzou Football! Coach Drinkwitz and the team will lead Mizzou to a historic season! I know you’re as excited as I am, and I can’t wait to welcome our alumni back to campus to celebrate 100 years of Memorial Stadium.
I’m thrilled that our transformative Memorial Stadium Centennial Project is on track for completion in time for the first home game on Thursday, September 3, against the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff Golden Lions. The day before, on September 2, we’ll hold the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the North End Zone project. Then on Saturday, September 19, we’ll celebrate a special 100th anniversary game when the Tigers take on the Troy University Trojans.
The new Memorial Stadium will provide an unmatched game-day experience for Tiger fans. We’ve also preserved proud traditions, including the Rock M in the North End Zone, which is filled with the same rocks as before. Continuing another longstanding tradition, incoming students will again get the opportunity to Paint the M on the hill this August during Welcome Week.
Mark your calendars now, and I’ll see you for game day in Columbia this September!
— Mun
Commending our outstanding staff members
May 21, 2026
Yesterday, we celebrated the hard work of staff members from across campus during the annual Outstanding Staff Awards. Among the many honorees, we recognized one staff member in attendance, Teresa Hall, who is celebrating a remarkable 45 years at the university.
As part of the ceremony, I was proud to also share the six winners of the Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award. These staff members were selected by peers in recognition of their strong dedication and commitment to excellence.
Our 2026 Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award honorees are:
• Administrative University Functions – Laurie Pelster, Department of Dermatology in the School of Medicine
• Administrative University Functions – Beth Monson, Family Nutrition Education Programs
• Facilities & Operations – Jeff Liptak, Mizzou Power Plant
• Leadership & Strategy – Ashley Mitchell, Mizzou Admissions
• Research & Technical Professionals – Peter McCarthy, State Historical Society of Missouri
• Part-Time Professional – Michael Castera, Missouri Cancer Registry and Research Center
The awards ceremony is a key part of our annual Staff Recognition Week, which features over 20 different events and opportunities to show our gratitude to staff at Mizzou and the UM System. I’m thankful for the many ways staff continue to advance our land-grant mission and positively impact our state.
Congratulations to all our award winners, and thank you to Staff Advisory Council for organizing such a great week to honor our extraordinary employees.
— Mun
Recognizing two extraordinary alumni
May 19, 2026
Last weekend, we honored two remarkable trailblazers during Mizzou commencement ceremonies. Alumni Mr. Hayes Barnard (BSBA ’95) and Mr. Rodger O. Riney (BS CiE ’68, MBA ’69) each received an honorary degree and offered the Class of 2026 advice on achieving excellence and making a difference.
Mr. Barnard, an entrepreneur, business owner and philanthropist, emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support you and drive your continued growth. Like so many of our alumni, he found that community at Mizzou.
Mr. Riney, a philanthropist and founder of Scottrade, shared his connection to Mizzou and encouraged graduates to keep solving problems and finding new ways to learn. He said that patience and a commitment to helping others can set them apart.
While each of their journeys has been unique, both our honorary degree recipients provide examples of resilience and leadership. This year’s graduates also leave Mizzou prepared to achieve success, adapt to change and serve communities in Missouri and beyond.
I am grateful to our honorary degree recipients for their incredible impact and to our graduates for inspiring us with their many accomplishments.
— Mun
Director-General Magwood visit and Radioisotope Science Center groundbreaking mark week of nuclear excellence
May 14, 2026
This was a historic week at the University of Missouri as we continue to secure our role as a national and global hub for innovations in nuclear science and medicine.
On Wednesday, we welcomed Mr. William D. Magwood, IV, director-general of the Nuclear Energy Agency, who joined our community from Paris for the President’s Distinguished Lecture. Mr. Magwood discussed the significant recent growth of the nuclear sector, what’s needed to support the nuclear workforce of the future and how Mizzou can help prepare the next generation of leaders in the field.
We were honored that Mr. Magwood also joined us today for the groundbreaking of the Radioisotope Science Center. This transformative facility is a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy to support the domestic development and production of isotopes that are strategically important to our nation. When completed, it will be more than 31,000 square feet and located at Discovery Ridge near the future site of NextGen MURR.
To mark the occasion, we were joined by Director of the Office of Isotope R&D and Production Chris Landers and Program Manager for Isotope Reactor Facilities Jon Neuhoff from the Department of Energy, former Senator Roy Blunt, Curator Blaine Luetkemeyer, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt Schaefer, State Representative Gregg Bush and former chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Dale Klein, among many other leaders, project partners and supporters.
Mizzou continues to advance nuclear breakthroughs that make a difference while creating opportunities that strengthen our state’s workforce and economy, including through our participation in the newly launched Missouri Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force. Mr. Magwood’s visit highlights the international importance of the Radioisotope Science Center, MURR and NextGen MURR – as well as their incredible impact in Missouri and across the country.
— Mun
Congratulating our newest Tiger alumni!
May 12, 2026
This week, we recognize the remarkable accomplishments of Mizzou’s Class of 2026 during 16 spring commencement ceremonies. Earning a Mizzou degree shows the hard work and dedication of our nearly 6,000 graduates this semester who together earned 4,737 bachelor’s degrees, 1,020 master’s degrees, 454 professional degrees, 207 doctoral degrees and 14 education specialist degrees. I am proud to celebrate the success of these incredible Tigers alongside their family and friends, as well as the many faculty and staff who mentored them along the way.
Among our outstanding graduates is Hannah Weaver, a textile & apparel management major and Honors College student. Hannah comes from a long legacy of accomplished Mizzou supporters and alumni. She is the great-granddaughter of John Carrier Weaver, who served as University of Missouri System president from 1966-70. Her grandmother, Karen Weaver (BS Ed ’71), is an alumna and married to two-time Mizzou alumnus Tom Weaver (BS BA ’72, MBA ’73). Karen’s father, Charles Koelling (M Ed ’53, EdD ’58), was a professor and associate dean in the College of Education and her mother, Bettie, worked in the School of Journalism’s dean’s office. Hannah’s rich family history shows the power of a Mizzou education to change lives and help our alumni make a difference.
New grads like Hannah are leaders who leave Mizzou prepared to achieve success. More than 95% launch a great career, continue to graduate school, join the military or take on important service roles within six months of graduation. They also join more than 372,000 alumni who are ready to support their continued growth.
Join me in congratulating the newest members of our alumni community!
— Mun
A tradition of service: Mizzou fraternities and sororities
May 6, 2026
As the semester concludes, it’s also a chance to look back and recognize the legacy and ongoing accomplishments of our fraternity and sorority communities.
Last week, we celebrated the 2026 Student Involvement Awards – honoring the excellence of individual student leaders and groups across campus. Each winner provides an outstanding example of how to get involved and make a difference. Mizzou’s fraternity and sorority organizations had an incredible showing and walked away with many top recognitions, including:
• Fraternity Chapter of the Year: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Sorority Chapter of the Year: Delta Delta Delta
• Service Program of the Year: Alpha Gamma Sigma Homecoming 2025 Service Campaign
• New Program of the Year: Smash-a-Car by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. x Sigma Phi Epsilon
• Community Building Program of the Year: Sisterhood United | Cross-council collaborative event
I also attended the recent 140th Anniversary celebration of Sigma Nu, Rho Chapter. The chapter is among the oldest on campus and has a deep history of accomplished alumni, including Rich Kinder, who with his wife Nancy established the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, and current Chapter Advisor Dave Baker.
For generations of Tigers, our fraternity and sorority communities have provided opportunities for involvement and connection. It’s a legacy that unites alumni to current students while advancing a shared commitment to service at Mizzou and throughout the community.
— Mun
Mizzou ROTC’s leadership legacy
May 5, 2026
This Friday, I’m participating in the Joint Services Pass in Review ceremony with all three branches of MU ROTC. Each year, this important event reminds me of the many contributions Mizzou has made to our armed forces.
From Cadet to Command
We recently welcomed alumnus Major General Lance Curtis to campus for a special presentation on leadership and service, hosted by the College of Arts and Science. Major General Curtis has held multiple command and senior leadership positions and currently serves as Commanding General of US Army Transportation Command, overseeing the planning and delivery of military equipment and supplies around the world. He has completed operational deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Kuwait and is a Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart recipient, among many other distinctions.
Major General Curtis was commissioned from MU Army ROTC in 1992 and trained alongside two fellow cadets who now also hold high-ranking officer roles: Lieutenant General Steven Marks and Major General Martin Clay.
Lieutenant General Steven Marks recently assumed duties as the Vice Commander of US Special Operations Command and Director of the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group. Major General Martin Clay commands the 35th Infantry Division of the National Guard, overseeing brigades in six states including Missouri. Each provides an incredible example of courage and leadership to our community.
Military service is part of our earliest foundations as a land-grant university. We’re proud to continue that legacy of support for ROTC, veteran and active-duty students who dedicate themselves to protecting our country.
— Mun