Energizing the nation for NextGen MURR

July 2, 2025

Last week, I was thrilled to see this Boston Globe article covering Mizzou and the critical NextGen MURR Research Reactor initiative. The article highlighted the life-changing impact that the state-of-the-art reactor will have on nuclear medicine and cancer patients in Missouri, the country and around the globe by securing domestic supply of critical medical radioisotopes.  

During last week’s UM Board of Curators meeting, Chair Graves announced a NextGen MURR Working Group to provide guidance and collaboration for all phases of the new reactor. This working group will provide the expert vision and support we need to achieve our ambitious goals and deliver a world-class research reactor facility. 

I also want to thank Governor Kehoe and the Missouri legislature for their continued support for this project. The 20-megawatt reactor will bring numerous opportunities, including creating thousands of jobs with tremendous economic benefits for our state and region. 

Our university is flourishing, and its prestige is known throughout the world. With our commitment to dynamic research, outstanding education and advancing our land-grant mission, we continue making a difference and improving lives for all. 

— Mun

Empowering the future with the Energy Innovation Center

June 26, 2025

Earlier today, the University of Missouri Board of Curators approved the Energy Innovation Center, a groundbreaking, interdisciplinary project to meet the growing energy needs of Missouri and our nation.

This dynamic, 116,000-square-foot facility is designed to advance critical breakthroughs in energy technology, production, storage, distribution and policy. Once completed in 2028, the Energy Innovation Center will help Mizzou’s world-class faculty create solutions that strengthen national security, prepare tomorrow’s workforce and drive transformative economic growth.

The Energy Innovation Center is also a historic partnership between the College of Engineering, College of Arts and Science and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, with contributions from the School of Law, Trulaske College of Business and Missouri School of Journalism. The center will bring researchers together to make important new discoveries – while also leveraging our existing strengths in key areas, including nuclear energy, energy materials, AI and grid efficiency and security.

We are grateful to the Board of Curators, including Chair Todd Graves, for their visionary support of this important initiative. We’re thrilled to take the next step in powering a better future for all we serve.

— Mun

Sharing Mizzou’s lifesaving impact with our Denver community

June 20, 2025

The Denver area is home to more than 6,300 Tigers – making it one of the largest Mizzou alumni communities in the country. Earlier this week, I was pleased to join many accomplished Colorado alumni to celebrate all things Mizzou, including our transformative research that is saving and improving lives.

The program kicked off with a warm welcome from Rusty Martin, president of the Rocky Mountain Tigers Alumni Chapter and Jefferson Club Board of Trustees member. The keynote was a moving presentation from Dr. Paul de Figueiredo, NextGen Precision Health Endowed Professor of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, about his innovative cancer research.

Dr. de Figueiredo previously secured a $20 million grant to develop affordable, accessible treatments using an unlikely source – bacteria. He shared the story behind his work, including personal connections to both Colorado and Missouri, and how Mizzou’s investments in research excellence are shaping a new generation of medical breakthroughs.

At Mizzou, we are building healthier communities and finding new solutions to society’s most difficult challenges. It was great spending time with our supporters in Denver, and I look forward to returning soon!

— Mun

Building strong communities with DC alumni

June 11, 2025

As summer begins, we’re continuing our series of events that unite Mizzou supporters, faculty and students in cities across the country. These gatherings bring the best of our campus directly to alumni and provide hands-on demonstrations of our incredible impact. Last week, we stopped in Washington, D.C. for a memorable evening at The Hay-Adams, a remarkable location with expansive views of the White House and the Washington Monument.

We proudly highlighted how Mizzou strengthens communities through a commitment to civil discourse, intellectual pluralism and service. We heard firsthand from faculty and students representing university programs that are benefiting society, including the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, the Civic Leaders Internship Program and the Open Minds Initiative. Alumni had a chance to ask questions, share Mizzou’s impact on their lives and learn more about our ambitious plans for further excellence.

I also attended a unique event at Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington, with Kinder Institute advisory board members, supporters and the 32 students in our Kinder Scholars D.C. Summer Program. Activities included tours of the grounds and insightful remarks from Doug Bradburn, President & CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. I also enjoyed a special presentation on Gettysburg by Jay Sexton, Rich and Nancy Kinder Chair of Constitutional Democracy and Director of the Kinder Institute, and Adam I. P. Smith, Edward Orsborn Professor of U.S. Politics & Political History and Director of the Rothermere American Institute at the University of Oxford.

Mizzou prepares students to get involved and make a difference, while also engaging civilly with those representing many viewpoints and perspectives. We were pleased to share our important work with leading Tigers in our nation’s capital.

— Mun

Reaccreditation reflects community support and impact

June 4, 2025

Last week, Provost Matthew Martens and I were proud to share that Mizzou received reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This honor reflects our sustained drive for excellence across academic programs. It also demonstrates our strong support for student success and our proven impact in Missouri and around the country.

Reaccreditation occurs every ten years and requires substantial engagement across campus. In February, we hosted HLC reviewers who met with 200 university stakeholders to better understand our mission and community. In total, nearly 700 students, faculty, administrators and staff contributed to the preparation process, including participation in a mock site visit in November.

HLC accreditation is essential to continuing our important work. Thank you to the Office of the Provost for their leadership and to all who advance our land-grant mission of excellence.

— Mun

Mizzou student-athletes complete a record-setting semester

May 28, 2025

This spring, our student-athletes set a new standard for excellence with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.402 – the highest spring GPA in Mizzou Athletics history! Our student-athletes have posted a cumulative GPA above 3.0 for an incredible 17 consecutive semesters. Eight programs also achieved individual record spring GPAs.

Tigers continue to excel in the classroom while also competing for championships, including impressive showings from our men’s and women’s track and field teams. At the Southeastern Conference Track and Field Championships, Kristi Perez-Snyman and Valentina Barrios were named to the All-SEC First Team and Second Team, respectively. Kristi became the first women’s team member in Tiger history to win gold in high jump, recording a leap of 1.90m (6-2.75) and setting a new school record.

Across both teams, nineteen track and field student-athletes progressed to this week’s NCAA Track and Field West Regional Championships. We look forward to cheering their continued success! 

Mizzou student-athletes are the pride of Missouri. We are pleased to celebrate their hard work and many accomplishments. 

— Mun

Applauding staff dedication and excellence

May 22, 2025

Each May, we celebrate Staff Recognition Week to thank Mizzou and UM System colleagues for their hard work and support of our impact on campus and across Missouri.

One of the week’s highlights is the Staff Recognition Awards Ceremony, which on Wednesday drew a great crowd of employees and their families. We especially recognized staff members in attendance celebrating significant service anniversaries, including Patty Eggleston (45 years) and Jim Forward (50 years). We also distributed numerous awards for staff excellence, including the Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Awards in six categories:

• Administrative/Professional – Crystal Schilling, lead human resources consultant

• Clerical/Office – Michelle Rapp, assistant to the registrar in the School of Law

• Crafts/Maintenance – Michael Nichols, senior reactor irradiation and hot cell technician at the MU Research Reactor

• Technical/Paraprofessional – Ashley Granger, monograph cataloger for Mizzou Libraries

• Part-time/Temporary – Rick Boyce, tutor for the Mizzou Made Academics Program in Athletics

• UM System – Phyllis Hawk, executive operations advisor for the UM Board of Curators Office

Staff are critical to the success of our students and university. Their dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for their commitment to others. I also want to thank the Staff Advisory Council for organizing this important week and for their many contributions throughout the year.

— Mun

Congratulations, graduates!

May 16, 2025

This commencement weekend, we celebrate nearly 6,000 graduates across all 13 Mizzou schools and colleges. Each Tiger worked hard to reach their goals and achieve excellence. I look forward to celebrating their success.

We are also proud to recognize three honorary degree recipients who made tremendous contributions to their fields and moved our university, state and world forward.

• Harriett Copher Haynes, PhD – Distinguished psychologist, educator, mental health advocate and Mizzou nursing alumna

• James E. Nave, DVM – Nationally-respected veterinarian and mentor, founder of the Nave Veterinary Group and two-time Mizzou alumnus

• Stuart A. Wesbury Jr., PhD – Dedicated health care administrator and community leader whose influence continues to shape Mizzou’s health administration program

Our Mizzou graduates have the education and experience they need to launch impactful careers and to join a global community of accomplished alumni. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Class of 2025.

— Mun

Celebrating Mini Mizzou’s accomplishments  

May 14, 2025

Last Thursday, I was excited to recognize the incredible student musicians of Mini Mizzou with a celebration at the Residence on Francis Quadrangle. 

It’s been another memorable year for Mini Mizzou – which is composed of more than 70 student musicians. Each of the two Mini Mizzou ensembles brings energy and Tiger spirit to events on campus and beyond. This past year, they’ve performed on some of the biggest stages in Missouri and across the country, including at Cardinals and Royals games, away football games and SEC and NCAA tournaments. 

Mini Mizzou – along with Marching Mizzou – are among our great university traditions. I want to thank Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Amy Knopps and all our talented students. It was an honor to recognize their hard work and dedication. 

— Mun

Honoring student excellence with end-of-semester awards 

May 5, 2025

As we approach the end of the semester, we’re proud to celebrate the excellence and involvement of our talented Mizzou students.

Earlier this month, I attended the Fraternity and Sorority Life Honors Ceremony to recognize the leadership and positive impact that our fraternity and sorority members have on campus and in the community. Also in attendance were Board of Curators Vice Chair Michael Williams, Mizzou Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Angela King Taylor and other university leaders, along with faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters.

Over 150 recipients were honored with awards! Winners included fraternity and sorority leaders, alumni and community partners who showed an incredible commitment to the values of philanthropy, scholarship, brotherhood, sisterhood and service. I’m also proud to congratulate Fraternity Chapter of the Year winner Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sorority Chapter of the Year winner Pi Beta Phi.

Fraternity and Sorority Honors was just one of many ceremonies held around campus to celebrate community excellence. Whether through fraternity and sorority involvement, student government or our more than 600 recognized student organizations, there are countless ways for Tigers to get involved, make connections and keep our campus a welcoming place for all.

Congratulations to our students on their success and accomplishments. 

— Mun