Mizzou’s transformative trajectory
Sep. 15, 2021
U.S. News and World Report released their annual rankings, and the University of Missouri has a lot to celebrate. We remained the No. 1 best value among public national universities in neighboring states and the No. 12 best value among all public national universities. Here are a few other highlights:
• No. 58 among national public universities
• No. 72 best value among national universities (up 13 spots from last year)
• No. 73 best college for veterans (also up 13 spots)
• No. 122 among all universities
These rankings illustrate what our stakeholders already know: The University of Missouri is an institution of excellence at all levels and a dynamic hub of innovation in the Midwest. Our state, national and global reputation reflects our work across campus to forge new discoveries and help our students succeed. And while we’re pleased with our progress, we are far from finished.
In the coming year, we’re going to continue investing in our research, education and engagement missions — an effort that will receive a major boost when the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building opens next month.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Mizzou’s growth. Our university truly is on a transformative trajectory.
— Mun
Patriot Day commemoration
Sep. 11, 2021
Each year for Patriot Day, Mizzou hosts a public tribute and wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives on September 11.
This year, to honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Mizzou has partnered with the City of Columbia for a special event. A first for our campus and broader community, this event includes a presentation of the colors by the Joint Services Color Guard and City Honor Guards on Francis Quadrangle, as well as a helicopter flyover by MU Health Care.
I am honored that Provost Latha Ramchand will be speaking on behalf of our university. The Mizzou Football Team and I will be standing with our Tiger family in spirit from Kentucky. Because no matter where we are in the world, we commemorate this day as a proud community of Tigers — to remember those we lost and recommit ourselves to building a better world in their honor.
— Mun
Thank you to our student organizations
Sep. 10, 2021
I was flipping through The Maneater the other day and came across a great article about our student organizations. Two weeks into the fall semester, they have been working tirelessly to support our university and community in our continued response to COVID-19. Our student organizations helped promote MU’s free vaccination clinic at the end of August and continue to support the university’s comprehensive public health efforts.
From Sept. 14-15, we will be hosting another walk-in vaccination clinic for all students, staff and faculty in the MU Student Center.
I am so grateful for the commitment and hard work of our students. Every step of the way, they show Missouri and the world why Mizzou is an institution that leads across the board.
— Mun
Chancellor’s Leadership Class
Sep. 9, 2021
Yesterday, I met with 100 students in our Chancellor’s Leadership Class at the Novak Leadership Institute. I had such a great time talking with them and reflecting on what makes Tigers standout across so many industries.
For more than 40 years, the Chancellor’s Leadership Class has offered a group of first-year students the opportunity to become better communicators and leaders. Through real-world activities, peer collaborations and expert coaching, they learn how to make a difference and set themselves (and others) up for success.
I am so pleased to welcome this next generation of leaders to Mizzou and look forward to seeing where their journeys take them.
— Mun
Thank you to Mizzou staff and faculty
Sep. 6, 2021
In honor of Labor Day, I want to thank each of our staff, faculty and leaders who do so much for the University of Missouri. Whether it’s maintaining campus, forging discoveries or supporting our agricultural producers throughout the state with MU Extension — there are countless ways they make a difference in the lives of our students and community members.
Without their dedication and hard work, the University of Missouri would not be able to achieve excellence and fulfill its core missions of education, research and engagement — for the benefit of Missouri and beyond.
— Mun
Black & Gold Friday is here
Sep. 3, 2021
It’s almost game day for Mizzou Football, and Tigers everywhere are coming together to #StripeTheState for our first Black & Gold Friday. It’s also College Colors Day — giving Mizzou fans another great reason to show their school spirit.
Almost every day I hear from students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who share the pride they have in Mizzou. Black & Gold Fridays help us roar out that support while also celebrating our community’s excellence on the field, on campus and around the world.
Tomorrow, I can’t wait to see even more black and gold in Memorial Stadium as we cheer Coach Drinkwitz and our Tigers on to a win against Central Michigan. M-I-Z!
— Mun
‘The Crisis in Afghanistan’ panel discussion
Aug. 31, 2021
Tomorrow (Sept. 1) from noon to 1 p.m., join a diverse panel of Mizzou experts as they discuss the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. Drawing on a range of student and faculty perspectives, the panel will enable our community to hear more about what the rapidly developing situation could mean for the country, the region and the world.
Among the panelists are representatives from our Afghan student and military veteran communities — as well as scholars of history and international relations. As a university with global reach, we know many on our campus have a personal connection with Afghanistan. This event lets us come together as a Mizzou community, listen to one another and discuss this critical topic.
The webinar will be moderated by Mary Stegmaier, vice provost for International Programs. I hope many of you are able to attend.
— Mun
Announcing Black & Gold Fridays!
Aug. 30, 2021
I’m thrilled to join our new Director of Athletics, Desiree Reed-Francois, in announcing Black & Gold Fridays — a new and exciting Tiger tradition. Every Friday, in anticipation of game days for MU’s 20 different sports and in support of our more than 550 student-athletes, we’re asking Tiger fans across the state and around the world to wear black and gold. It’s an easy way to show your pride in Mizzou and your support of our teams.
Join us for the inaugural Black & Gold Friday this Friday, Sept. 3. Let’s all come together to #StripeTheState and build a championship culture here at Mizzou.
M-I-Z!
— Mun
Mizzou research paves the way
Aug. 28, 2021
Just off campus, crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation have been hard at work resurfacing portions of Stadium Boulevard. What looks like regular maintenance is actually part of an innovative collaboration between Mizzou, Dow (the global material science company), and MoDOT.
Students and researchers from the Mizzou Asphalt Pavement and Innovation Lab (MAPIL) — located in our College of Engineering — are creating more sustainable asphalt pavement mixtures by incorporating recycled materials such as plastic and tire rubber. To test this mixture in real-world conditions, it was applied to a nearly two-mile stretch of Stadium Boulevard. Researchers are hopeful that this is the first step towards greener, more durable driving surfaces that also reduce landfill waste.
Through key partnerships such as this one, Mizzou faculty and students are helping generate cutting-edge solutions that benefit our state and world.
— Mun
Empowering Missouri’s youth
Aug. 27, 2021
Yesterday, I enjoyed speaking at the Chancellor’s Reception for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri. This “Countdown to Kickoff” event promotes the important mentorship opportunities that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides for our community’s youth. It was great talking with fellow supporters and sharing the amazing stories of “Bigs” and their “Littles.”
As Missouri’s public, flagship, land-grant university, Mizzou strives to empower young people in every community across our state. Mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters is a vital extension of that critical work. Through our shared commitment to education, access and outreach, MU and BBBS are working together to support the next generation of leaders who will help our communities thrive for decades to come.
It’s just one more way Mizzou works to fulfill its mission and build a brighter future for all Missourians.
— Mun