Recently, we welcomed another kind of freshman to campus. Newly elected lawmakers from around Missouri stopped by during their tour of the state. We showed more than 40 attendees a sample of our groundbreaking research at the University of Missouri Research Reactor and the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building. We finished the visit in true Columbia fashion, with Shakespeare’s Pizza in Mizzou Arena.

State support for our land-grant mission has increased by the highest percentage in decades. We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in our research, teaching and engagement work and are committed to delivering even more for the state we all serve.

Earlier this year, a report from Tripp Umbach showed investments in Mizzou return $5 billion to state taxpayers. Those resources directly support innovations and outreach that strengthen our communities – from producing new cancer treatments to Extension programming in every county.

I appreciate lawmakers’ interest in Mizzou and look forward to working together for the good of Missouri.

— Mun