It was a busy morning at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building. I was happy to welcome Governor Mike Parson — and more than 20 of Missouri’s elected officials and education leaders — for a roundtable discussion on building the workforce of tomorrow.

Governor Parson reiterated his bold vision for higher education and encouraged us to continue finding collaborative solutions to the problems facing Missourians. I highlighted a few of the many ways we deliver for citizens, including our push for rural broadband coverage, our dual-enrollment program with Moberly Area Community College and the incredible work of the University of Missouri Research Reactor (currently the only U.S. supplier of five life-saving radiopharmaceutical isotopes used in cancer and cardiac drugs).

After concluding the group discussion (and before the Governor toured NextGen) I presented him with a Mizzou Football helmet from the Armed Forces Bowl in appreciation of his support and his service as a veteran.

It’s essential that we’re good stewards of state support and create more opportunities for our citizens. It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly. A recent report noted that taxpayer investment in Mizzou results in a $5 billion return for the state.

I want to again thank Governor Parson, and our many partners throughout Missouri, for helping us prepare the next generation for the future.

— Mun