Student musical unites historical research and dramatic storytelling

Feb. 19, 2026

Last Friday, I attended the sold-out performance of a student-created musical that thoughtfully examines an infamous moment in American culture – and was developed through Mizzou faculty mentorship and research support.
 
Andrew Smith – a computer science and digital storytelling major with several minors including theatre – began work on an ambitious project his first semester at Mizzou and continued over two years as a Discovery Undergraduate Research Fellow in the Honors College. In 2024, the result of Andrew’s research and writing, “UNABOMBER: The Musical,” was awarded the Outstanding Honors College Research Award and workshopped at the Missouri Playwrights Workshop.
 
Andrew’s historical drama features 17 original songs from a variety of perspectives, including the victims, investigators, family members and the perpetrator. The production explores important questions about technology, mental health and society.
 
This most recent performance featured the play’s first act and was produced as part of the Mizzou New Play Series. Led by Dr. David Crespy – who also serves as Andrew’s faculty mentor – the series showcases over one weekend numerous plays created by students, faculty and alumni. This is the first musical script produced by the Mizzou New Play Series, which is committed to presenting the completed stage reading next year.
 
Congratulations to Andrew on his achievement, along with the show’s director, Andrew Moon, and all our talented Mizzou playwrights and performers.
 
— Mun

Geyer Awards honor impact and legacy of Missouri leaders 

Feb. 18, 2026

Last night at the Governor’s Mansion, we proudly honored four recipients of the 2026 Henry S. Geyer Awards. These prestigious awards are given annually by the Mizzou Alumni Association in celebration of those who have made a lasting, positive impact on higher education and the University of Missouri.

This year’s recipients – all distinguished Tiger alumni – have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to service: 

Their dedication to Missourians has improved lives and communities across the state. We were also grateful to welcome Ina Rae Brazeale, who accepted the award on her late husband’s behalf. 

It was a pleasure to be joined in the recognition ceremony by Gov. Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe, Supreme Court of Missouri Judge Mary R. Russell and Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves, among many other elected officials, campus leaders, supporters and friends of Mizzou. 

Congratulations to our 2026 Geyer Award recipients! Thank you for making a difference for all we serve. 

— Mun

Launching a new way for alumni to connect with Mizzou

Feb. 17, 2026

No one knows the power of a Mizzou education better than our alumni.

Starting today, we’re launching a new way for our more than 372,000 global alumni to stay connected to the Mizzou community – no matter where they live.

Each week, I’ll send a brief email message highlighting one notable story that reflects our teaching, research and engagement mission, along with a quick update to keep you informed on the latest at Mizzou.

Our first message features the story of Kimber Auerbach, M Ed ’24, a Mizzou graduate who serves as a media officer for USA Hockey at the Winter Olympics! All alumni should receive their message shortly. If you’d like to subscribe, please reach out to the Mizzou Alumni Association.

There are so many ways our incredible students, faculty and staff make a difference in our state and nation – and our alumni serve as industry leaders around the world. I’m thankful for your support, and I’m thrilled to share my pride and gratitude with you every week.

M-I-Z!

— Mun

Support local families during the 20th annual Miracles for Kids Radiothon

Feb. 12, 2026

Next week, MU Health Care and the Children’s Miracle Network are teaming up with Zimmer Communications, Multipli Credit Union and other local businesses to help mid-Missouri kids receive the care they need to be kids – and we need your help to make a difference.

Beginning Thursday, February 19, Zimmer radio stations will launch a two-day radiothon to support MU Health Care’s Children’s Hospital and ensure all kids have access to care designed specifically for their needs, including more than 30 pediatric specialties and programs like child life and music therapy.

Your support helps kids like Max, Mid-Missouri’s 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child. Max spent his first 97 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Today, he’s a healthy, energetic 10-year-old thanks to the world-class team at MU Health Care. This radiothon helps ensure that more kids like Max receive the same exceptional care while staying close to home.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the radiothon, and we’ve raised more than $4 million to date. Last year alone, our community contributed more than $456,000, nearly doubling the previous year’s total. I know we can make an even bigger impact in 2026.

The radiothon begins next Thursday, February 19, through Friday, February 20, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day on Y107, Clear 99, 94.3 KAT Country, 93.9 The Eagle and KWOS 950 AM/104.5 FM. During the event, you can contribute by calling 1-866-970 GIVE (4483) or texting MIRACLE to 34984.

You can also show your support today by visiting the Miracles for Kids page. Thank you for helping us save and improve lives – including those of our youngest patients.

— Mun

Mizzou faculty, ensemble-in-residence win Grammy!

Feb. 2, 2026

Last night in Los Angeles, Alarm Will Sound, a group featuring Mizzou School of Music faculty Stefan Freund and Bill Kalinkos, won the Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance! They were honored for their recording of Donnacha Dennehy’s composition, “Land of Winter.” Alarm Will Sound is the ensemble-in-residence for the Mizzou New Music Initiative, so while the award celebrates two of our faculty members, it also reflects global recognition of our ensemble and music programs.

Both Dr. Freund and Dr. Kalinkos are faculty members in the College of Arts and Science’s School of Music and founding members of the 20-person Alarm Will Sound ensemble. For the past 15 years, Alarm Will Sound has also served as ensemble-in-residence for the annual Mizzou International Composers Festival and is in residence at Mizzou each January. The ensemble’s first experience with “Land of Winter” was at the Missouri Theatre.

Thanks to the extraordinary support and vision of Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, Rex Sinquefield and the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation, Mizzou is an established destination for music performance and composition. The Mizzou New Music Initiative, under the artistic direction of Dr. Freund, brings remarkable opportunities to campus, and now our students can study with 2026 Grammy Award–winning faculty. Just last week, we also welcomed the world‑renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for an astounding performance in Jesse Auditorium.

Congratulations to the entire ensemble!

— Mun

Maya Sands receives CSC Academic All-American honor 

Jan. 29, 2026

Congratulations to volleyball senior Maya Sands on making the prestigious 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-American second team! 

The 2025 All-American volleyball teams are selected by the College Sports Communicators and recognize top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. An All-American recognition is the highest academic honor a student-athlete can receive. Maya was an honorable mention in 2024.  

Maya earned numerous accolades as a Tiger. She dominated the SEC and was named a three-time SEC Libero of the Year, three-time All-SEC honoree and a three-time All-District team selection. She is also ranked third in program history for number of digs, ending her Tiger career with 1,588. Along with these accomplishments, Maya remained a role model in the classroom and was listed on the Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll each season.  

In December, she signed with the League One Volleyball Houston professional team in Houston, Texas to continue her volleyball career. She will graduate in May with her bachelor’s in parks, recreation, sport and tourism: sport management.

Maya’s accomplishments reflect the drive of all student-athletes to achieve excellence on and off the court. Last Saturday, men’s basketball senior Mark Mitchell reached 1,500 career points. In addition, our No. 7 gymnastics team and No. 18 wresting team continue to advance up the NCAA rankings. 

I’m proud of Maya, Mark and every Tiger for showing their Will to Win in competition, in the classroom and throughout the world. MIZ! 

— Mun

Texas Tigers unite in Dallas

Jan. 21, 2026

It was great to be back in Dallas for Power the Roar, our transformative campaign to raise $2 billion and secure Mizzou’s land-grant mission for generations.

We hosted a compelling discussion titled “Our Nuclear Future” at the historic George W. Bush Presidential Center. The panel featured three Mizzou experts with proven success in the nuclear field: Professor John Gahl, MU College of Engineering; Mike Hoehn, executive director of NextGen MURR; and Dale E. Klein, former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the event’s keynote speaker.

Together, they highlighted Mizzou’s leadership as the nation’s sole domestic supplier of four lifesaving radioisotopes produced at MURR. They also shared how Power the Roar is building on our expertise and establishing Mizzou – and Missouri – as the premier hub for radioisotope research, manufacturing and innovation.

In addition to our marquee event, Tigers had other opportunities to connect with campus and each other, including a special gathering for volunteers and supporters at the Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets game. Campaign Leadership Committee member Frank Shelden – a longtime docent at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum – also generously hosted a special event for local alumni and donors.
 
I was proud to share the many ways Mizzou is saving and improving lives, including through NextGen MURR – our ambitious plan to build a new state-of-the-art reactor to serve our nation – and our partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to secure a reliable, domestic source of radioisotopes. Each initiative directly benefits the health and security of the United States, while also creating new jobs and economic opportunities for our state.
 
— Mun

Supporting all Missourians with Gov. Mike Kehoe

Jan. 14, 2026

Yesterday, I was proud to attend Gov. Mike Kehoe’s 2026 State of the State address at the capitol in Jefferson City. During his address, Gov. Kehoe outlined a bold vision for our state’s future, including sustained support for higher education.

Mizzou and the UM System share the Governor’s priorities for a stronger Missouri, including responsible spending, agricultural education, job-ready students and nuclear breakthroughs. Gov. Kehoe’s budget recommendations secure our land-grant mission and keep Missouri, and our nation, at the forefront of innovations that make a difference.

From Extension outreach in each Missouri county to lifesaving radioisotopes at MURR, Mizzou strengthens our state’s workforce, drives economic development and creates more opportunities for all. We look forward to partnering with Gov. Kehoe and elected officials to share Mizzou’s proven impact for Missourians.

— Mun

Mizzou made history in 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

Congratulations to the nearly 1,700 Tigers who graduated last weekend – as well as to the military officers commissioned through Mizzou Army, Air Force and Naval ROTC. We’re so proud of our newest alumni and can’t wait to see the great things you’ll accomplish next.

2025 was an incredible year at Mizzou, including milestones like the launch of our transformative Power the Roar campaign and our thrilling win over kU in the Border Showdown.

While the semester has ended, our momentum continues. We need all fans and supporters to join us in Jacksonville, Florida on December 27 for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – where Coach Drinkwitz and the Tigers will take on the Virginia Cavaliers. We also have a special ticket offer just for Mizzou students.

Thank you to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters for your dedication to excellence throughout the year. I look forward to working with you to build on our success in 2026.

— Mun

Mizzou welcomes world-renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra 

Dec. 17, 2025

We’re thrilled to host the acclaimed St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Jesse Auditorium on January 28 for a night of extraordinary music.  

Featuring conductor Samuel Hollister and violinist Celeste Golden Andrews, the orchestra will perform favorite compositions including Dag Wirén’s Concert Overture, Op. 2; Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending; and Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 43. 

Through December 31, we have a special deal for those hoping to secure their tickets early (or in time for the holidays). Book through this link for 20% off and share the gift of world-class music. 

I want to thank Veterans United, Missouri Arts Council, the City of Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Columbia, MO Convention and Visitors Bureau – as well as our own University Concert Series and College of Arts and Science – for helping bring this incredible experience to Columbia. 

Now in its 146^th year, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the country’s second-oldest orchestra and continues its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. We are honored to have the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at Mizzou, and I hope you’ll join us for this remarkable performance. 

— Mun