Percussion performance puts faculty excellence center stage

Sep. 12, 2025

Earlier this week, Suzanne and I enjoyed a packed-house performance by Dr. Megan Arns, associate professor and director of percussion studies, in Sheryl Crow Hall at the Sinquefield Music Center.

Dr. Arns displayed incredible artistry, range and physical endurance while performing five world premiere works for solo percussionist by the Kinds of Kings Composer Collective in collaboration with the visual artist, XUAN. This groundbreaking project was supported by the Mizzou New Music Initiative, the Research Council and the Arts & Humanities Research and Creative Works Fellow Program.

Mizzou is a global leader in new music performance and composition. We’re proud to offer opportunities for incredible faculty like Dr. Arns to pursue creative breakthroughs that change the way we see the world. Mizzou is also home to impressive facilities like Sheryl Crow Hall and the Missouri Theatre. These are world-class venues that help faculty and students perform at the highest level and share their talents with our community.

Congratulations to Dr. Arns on a memorable performance!

— Mun

Mizzou honors Patriot Day and all who serve 

Sep. 11, 2025

This morning, we came together on Carnahan Quadrangle for a solemn Patriot Day wreath-laying – recognizing the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. During the gathering, an MU Health Care helicopter conducted a ceremonial flyover, and the Reynolds Alumni Center bell tolled 24 times for the number of years since the attack.

I was honored to lay the memorial wreath with Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and to recognize Mizzou alumnus and retired Navy Capt. Jack Punches, who lost his life at the Pentagon during the attacks. Capt. Punches was commissioned through our Naval ROTC program, received a degree in civil engineering and went on to a successful and decorated career in the Navy. He was also a devoted father and active member of his community. Each year I share the story of Capt. Punches to honor his memory and his extraordinary example of service. 

This moving event was held in partnership with the City of Columbia and was attended by many local first responders, including members of the Columbia Police Department, Columbia Fire Department, Boone County Fire Protection District, MUPD, Missouri Task Force 1, MU Health Care and the MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute. We were also joined by representatives from Mizzou ROTC, military and veteran communities. 

It was a privilege to remember Capt. Punches and all those we lost – while acknowledging the brave men and women who serve our nation with honor. I also want to thank Mizzou College Republicans for placing 2,977 flags on Carnahan Quadrangle in memory of each victim of 9/11.

I hope today’s message of unity guides us going forward, as we work with one another and our community to build a better world. 

— Mun

Advancing the life-saving mission of MURR with strong support 

Sep. 10, 2025

Last Thursday, Mizzou was thrilled to celebrate the expansion of two new industry-funded facilities at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). Together, the additions bring an incredible 30,000 square feet of space to support critical industry partnerships and manufacturing of no-carrier-added lutetium-177 – a lifesaving cancer treatment. 

We were joined by over 250 attendees, including UM Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves, as well as key MURR partners in the nuclear medicine industry, including Mike Mangano, President of ABK Biomedical Inc.; Steve Ellebracht, founding principal of IsoTherapeutics and MU alum; and Dale Klein, former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and MU alum.

I’m also pleased to share that U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt just secured $5 million for MURR research and projects related to national security. This is an outstanding show of support for nuclear innovation at Mizzou and builds on our strong recent momentum, including a $40 million partnership between Mizzou, the State of Missouri and the U.S. Department of Energy to construct the Radioisotope Science Center near the future home of NextGen MURR.

These innovative partnerships with leaders in government and industry reflect the growing demand for the radioisotopes created at MURR. We’re proud to support the dedicated MURR team who work around the clock to support the health of our nation and create new opportunities for investment in Missouri. 

— Mun 

Introducing Power the Roar, a $2B campaign to fuel Mizzou’s future

Sep. 8, 2025

This weekend, Mizzou made history – and not just with our thrilling 42-31 victory over kU in the Border Showdown!

On Friday, we publicly launched Power the Roar, a bold $2 billion comprehensive campaign to fuel our land-grant mission and create meaningful impact for generations.

I was honored to join campaign co-chairs Paul and Lynn Ann Vogel, along with dedicated Mizzou alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters for an evening event celebrating the campaign announcement. The night concluded with the incredible Illuminate Mizzou drone show on Carnahan Quad – sharing the energy and excitement of Power the Roar with our entire community.

This is a pivotal moment for Mizzou. Power the Roar is built around five key priorities that shape the future of Mizzou excellence.

• Educate future leaders
• Save and improve lives
• Build a sustainable world
• Strengthen communities
• Develop champions

We have the momentum to achieve success, and last year marked the highest fundraising total in university history. Prior to the public launch, we received incredible support during the campaign’s leadership phase: More than 61,000 donors contributed nearly $760 million. We’re grateful for their remarkable support and eager for even more Tigers to join us, including those who know firsthand the lifechanging power of a Mizzou education.

This campaign is about letting the world know that Mizzou makes an impact for students, for Missourians and for society. This is our time. This is our purpose. With your support, Mizzou will Power the Roar!

To learn more, visit PowerTheRoar.com and get involved today.

— Mun

‘SEC Nation’ returns for the most exciting week in Mizzou history 

Sep. 5, 2025

Tomorrow is our long-awaited, sold-out rivalry game versus kU! Adding to the excitement, we’re also welcoming “SEC Nation” back to campus for the first time since 2019! 

This is a historic moment, and we need your help to showcase Mizzou’s commitment to excellence and the unparalleled gameday experience across campus. Excitement kicks off at 7 a.m. with “Good Morning America” airing a live shot of fans from Carnahan Quadrangle. Full SEC Network coverage starts soon after at 8 a.m. A full schedule is available from Mizzou Athletics. All Tigers are encouraged to stop by and show your Mizzou pride. 

Throughout the day, we’ll highlight Truman and Spirit Squads, the Tiger Food Pantry and Sack Hunger food drive, progress on the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project, as well as MizzouRec and other resources that support student well-being and success. Guests will include Mizzou’s very own journalism professor and Tiger alum, John Anderson. 

This weekend also marks the official launch of our transformative campaign to secure Mizzou’s land-grant mission for generations. I hope you can join us this evening for “Illuminate Mizzou,” a campaign launch event that features a drone show at 9 p.m. on Carnahan Quadrangle. 

This is the most exciting week in Mizzou history! I can’t wait to celebrate Mizzou’s continued momentum in the SEC and to share the impact of our incredible community with the world. 

— Mun

Boone County Extension dinner creates connections

Sep. 3, 2025

Last week, I enjoyed attending the 65th Town and Country Dinner hosted by MU Extension in Boone County at the Jeff Branch Farm in Ashland. This annual tradition brought together around 170 attendees, ranging from families and local leaders to state legislators and Extension representatives.

Founded as a way for rural residents to thank businesses that support the county fair, the dinner has evolved into an important opportunity to connect urban residents with Boone County’s agricultural heritage – which remains one of the county’s largest industries. This year’s guests included MU deans, Extension administrators, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick, Boone County District II Commissioner Janet Thompson, state Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, state Rep. John Martin, state Sen. Stephen Webber and staff from Congressman Bob Onder’s office.

It was a memorable evening that celebrated the transformative work of Extension, Missouri 4-H and the many volunteers who make a difference across the county and around the state. I appreciated the chance to recognize MU Extension’s impact and to celebrate the strong connections it continues to build throughout our community.

— Mun

Mizzou initiative partners with elected leaders to serve Missouri

Aug. 27, 2025

Last week, we were pleased to welcome Missouri General Assembly members for the first Missouri Legislative Leadership Academy. State representatives and senators gathered on campus for a day of interactive sessions on key issues impacting all Missourians, including agriculture, health care and public policy.

The academy was developed in collaboration with Missouri House and Senate leadership from both parties. They nominated rising caucus members to attend and suggested program topics critical to Missouri’s future. The event was hosted in partnership with the MU College of Arts and Science, the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs and MU Extension.

The day included tours of campus – including the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building – and presentations from Mizzou faculty highlighting the many important ways our university gives back and how we can work with elected officials to make an impact.

Mizzou delivers an incredible $5 billion in value to the state and has a presence in each of our 114 counties and the city of St. Louis. We are proud to collaborate alongside legislators to ensure Missourians across the state benefit from our teaching, research and engagement, including access to state-of-the-art medical treatment, support for small businesses, information for crop and land management and opportunities for leadership development.

I enjoyed hearing firsthand how we can continue to be a trusted partner that delivers our land-grant mission of service for all Missourians.

— Mun

Mizzou Football is almost here – let’s Stripe the State black and gold!

Aug. 26, 2025

Thursday marks our sold-out “Kickoff in CoMo” home opener against Central Arkansas. I’m thrilled to welcome Tiger fans back to Memorial Stadium and to cheer on Coach Drinkwitz and our incredible student-athletes.

Throughout the season, we’re encouraging Tiger fans to Stripe the State and wear black and gold every Friday to show their Mizzou pride. This Friday, August 29, is also College Colors Day – a perfect chance to celebrate the start of the season and to let everyone know you’re a True Tiger.

Other important updates for Mizzou fans:

• Parking opens at 2 p.m. for this Thursday’s home opener. For all other home games, parking lots will open at 7 a.m. on game day.
• To help prepare for the increased traffic on Thursday, employees who have supervisor approval are encouraged to work from home starting at noon. In-person classes should continue as planned.
• Beginning this season, Mizzou students and fans will no longer rush the field. It’s costly and risks the safety of fellow Tigers. We expect to win each game that we play, so let’s celebrate responsibly.
• We’re making great progress and remain on-track for completion of the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project in time for the 2026 season. Thank you for your ongoing support of that transformational initiative.

Three other home games are also sold out, so act fast to get your tickets! I can’t wait to see you at Memorial Stadium for another historic season. M-I-Z!

— Mun

Welcoming our world-class faculty to Mizzou

Aug. 19, 2025

This week, we’re welcoming more than 100 new faculty members to the Mizzou community. To begin their three-day orientation, I was pleased to host cohort members for a reception at the Residence on Francis Quadrangle.

During orientation, new faculty receive an introduction to university traditions, along with important resources through the Provost’s Office to help them achieve success in teaching, research and engagement. There are also opportunities to hear from Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and Mizzou Provost Matthew Martens – along with time to meet deans and new colleagues.

This is a historic moment to join Mizzou. We recently received our 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and continue to achieve record highs in research and student success. We’re also preparing to launch a transformative new campaign to invest in Mizzou’s future – including the success of our faculty.

New faculty are joining us from some of the world’s top universities, and they are drawn to Mizzou’s bold commitment to innovation and reputation for excellence. I enjoyed meeting with faculty and am excited to begin the new semester next week.

— Mun

Inspiring STEM success through robotics

Aug. 14, 2025

I recently joined local leaders – along with some very talented Columbia students – to celebrate a new youth robotics space for the Columbia Educational Robotics Foundation (CERF). I was thrilled to join Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Klein and many others to dedicate this impressive facility.

CERF’s Board of Directors is chaired by Mizzou Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Kevin Gillis, who works alongside fellow mentors to inspire interest in STEM education. CERF also organizes Columbia’s Army Ants robotics competition team. The Army Ants are part of the global FIRST Robotics program and recently finished a great competition season in the top 5% of all teams worldwide!

Mizzou’s commitment to CERF and Army Ants has taken many forms. Until this new facility, the Army Ants worked out of Mizzou’s Agricultural Engineering building for nearly a decade. The College of Engineering partners with Army Ants on STEM summer camps serving more than 100 campers and offers scholarships to FIRST Robotics students. Army Ants are also affiliated with Missouri 4-H, an MU Extension program.

The new lab and community space features leading-edge equipment and enhanced tools to help students learn more about robotics and explore their interests. It’s also an investment in the next generation (including many future Mizzou students) who will one day solve the significant challenges facing our world — in science, health, public policy and beyond.

The University of Missouri President’s Office, College of Engineering, College of Arts and Science and CAFNR were all proud to contribute toward this important facility. We joined more than 15 local and national sponsors, including Columbia Public Schools, Moberly Area Community College, Boeing and the National Science Foundation.

Robotics is a powerful vehicle through which students learn collaboration, resilience and all the life lessons we want them to carry forward. We’re proud to help prepare them for success in high-demand STEM fields that are critical to our state and nation.

— Mun