One year of NextGen

Oct. 19, 2022

Just one year ago, we welcomed state and national leaders ­– including then-director of the National Institutes of Health Francis Collins – to Mizzou’s campus for the grand opening of the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building.

In that short time, we’ve made incredible research breakthroughs, announced world-class hires (including Dr. W. David Arnold as executive director of the NextGen Precision Health initiative) and continued to grow the facility’s impact. Since Oct. 2021, we’ve brought in $97 million in grants.

NextGen is also connecting students with the tools and expertise they need to launch groundbreaking careers in science. This semester, we welcomed our inaugural cohort of 16 students for the Translational Biosciences Graduate Program. Across six emphasis areas, this program leverages NextGen’s strengths to further biomedical research and improve the health of our communities.

In the coming years, we look forward to welcoming additional faculty, students and industry partners. We’re also building out the fourth floor to serve as the future home of NextGen neuroscience and reproductive biology researchers.

Together, we’re revolutionizing how we deliver personalized health care for Missouri and the world.

— Mun

Showing Tiger pride by saving lives

Oct. 18, 2022

Last week, our Mizzou community came out in force for the Homecoming Blood Drive. Over four days, 4,148 people gave 4,055 units of blood to support the Red Cross. That donation will potentially save more than 12,165 lives.

Our annual event is one of the largest student-run blood drives in the country. And it’s not over yet! Satellite blood drives in Cole, Boone and Callaway Counties continue through the end of the month.

To schedule an appointment at one of the satellite locations, visit the Homecoming Blood Drive page to find the right sponsor code and then enter it on RedCrossBlood.org.

— Mun

A center for the future

Oct. 17, 2022

On the second floor of Lafferre Hall, Mizzou Engineering faculty and students are building the technology of tomorrow.

The team at the Cyber Education, Research and Infrastructure (CERI) Center, under the direction of Professor Prasad Calyam, investigates topics such as cloud-edge computing, artificial intelligence and cyber security. And our undergrads are at the center of the action.

The center also hosts a “Hacker Tracker Training” every summer that teaches middle and high school students about coding and cyber defense. Their work aligns well with MizzouForward’s commitment to discovering new frontiers in science, engineering and technologies.

I enjoyed visiting the CERI Center with Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs John Middleton and Dean Noah Manring. Professor Calyam and his students showed us some of their exciting projects, such as the Mizzou CAVE – a virtual reality system for expert decision making and immersive learning funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The applications of this technology are nearly endless. For example, a simulated disaster scenario could help train first responders. Mizzou CAVE is the only virtual reality system of its kind in the region and is part of a cross-campus collaboration with the College of Engineering, School of Information Science & Learning Technologies and Department of Architectural Studies.

Professor Calyam and his team are developing an impressive and impactful center at Mizzou. We appreciate his strong mentorship of both undergraduate and graduate students.

— Mun

We (HEART) Mizzou transfer students

Oct. 13, 2022

Next week isn’t just Mizzou Homecoming – it’s also National Transfer Student Week. Across campus, our Transfer Center & Transfer Experience & Advising Mentors (TEAM) are hosting events to celebrate.

• Monday, Oct. 17 – from 9 to 1 p.m., free donuts and “I HEART Mizzou Transfers” swag for staff, faculty and transfer students in Speakers Circle

• Tuesday, Oct. 18 – from 6 to 7:30 p.m., glow party on Stankowski Field (with glow-in-the-dark games, karaoke and root beer in Transfer Center cups)

• Wednesday, Oct. 19 – at 4 p.m., transfer student online panel about undergraduate research experiences hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research

There are 1,280 new transfers at Mizzou this semester, bringing our total transfer population to 4,247 students. That’s a lot of transfer Tigers! Make Transfer Week activities part of your Homecoming fun.

— Mun

Homecoming outreach continues with Roaring for Rainbow House

Oct. 11, 2022

We kicked off Homecoming 2022 in a big way with our annual Tiger Food Fight, collecting a record 44,002 pounds of food and $415 for the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.

And that was just the start. The food fight is the first part of our campuswide “Battle of the Columbias,” a friendly competition with the University of South Carolina leading up to the Oct. 29 football game. Each item collected counts for one point.

The next opportunity to get involved takes place Oct. 14 to 16 and Oct. 21. Roaring for Rainbow House collections will benefit a local children’s emergency shelter.

From Oct. 14 to 16, student organizations – including many fraternities and sororities – will staff tables outside Sam’s Club on Conley Road and other retail locations to collect donations for Rainbow House’s wish list, such as cleaning supplies and backpacks. On Oct. 21, bring donations when you visit Campus Decs in Greek Town Friday evening, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Similar collection sites will be located throughout.

The winner will be announced during the South Carolina game. Help us ensure the best Columbia wins!

— Mun

World War II cadet nurse (and Mizzou alum) visits campus

Oct. 10, 2022

Edith Harrington, BSN ’46, recently spoke to more than 130 pre-nursing students in our Sinclair School of Nursing building. I had a chance to visit with her, and many others stayed afterwards to learn further details about her incredible life.

In 1943 – while studying at Mizzou – Edith served in the Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. She shared her experiences as a cadet nurse, nursing student and a practicing nurse in Missouri.

Edith is part of the Greatest Generation and will turn 100 next April. She remains active in the community. Last year, Gov. Mike Parson selected her to serve as Missouri’s 2021 Bicentennial Inaugural Parade grand marshal.

I’m thankful the next generation of Mizzou nurses could meet Edith and learn from her example of service. This Friday, we’ll gather again to dedicate our new Sinclair School of Nursing facility.

— Mun

Tigers, register to vote!

Oct. 5, 2022

It’s almost Election Day. Before heading to the polls on Nov. 8, you’ll need to make sure you’re registered to vote. The registration deadline for Missouri residents is next week, Wednesday, Oct. 12.

No matter where you’re from, there are helpful resources to make the process simple.

Boone County residents can register through the County Clerk’s office. Our own Hearnes Center will serve as a central polling location where any registered county residents can vote. Information for all Missouri voters can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

More details about how to be prepared for Election Day 2022 can be found on Show Me Mizzou.

Tigers support our local, state and national communities in so many ways – including by voting. It’s an essential part of our civic duty, so register today and make sure your voice is heard.

— Mun

Community college leaders visit NextGen

Oct. 4, 2022

At Mizzou, we’re thrilled to welcome students continuing their education from one of Missouri’s excellent community colleges.

Last week, 32 presidents and leaders from the Missouri Community College Association – along with MU administrators – toured the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building and discussed how we can better serve all our students.

This semester, 605 Missouri community college students transferred to Mizzou. On average, they received $3,137 of institutional aid per person. Programs such as Transfer Experience & Advising Mentors (TEAM) and Tiger Pathways continue to help transfer students find their place here.

A high-quality, innovative education should be in reach for all Missourians. Partnerships between Mizzou and community colleges help us grow our Tiger community and build our state’s future.

— Mun

Tailgating with Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball

Oct. 3, 2022

Tailgates aren’t just for Tiger football. Last Saturday before the Georgia game, I stopped by MizzouRec for a day of activities supporting our Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball team.

Head Coach Ron Lykins — the winningest coach in international wheelchair basketball history — and many of his players greeted fans and showed their skills on the court. Student volunteers from our Parks, Recreation and Sport program also helped out.

Curator Robin Wenneker and I joined nearly 400 other attendees who came to learn about the game and even try the sport.

This year’s Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball schedule will be announced soon. I hope Tiger fans fill historic Brewer Fieldhouse to cheer on another great Mizzou team.

— Mun

Inclusive excellence in action at the GOBCC

Sep. 29, 2022

The Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center (GOBCC) is more than just a facility for students to study, take classes and develop professional skills. It’s also a place to hang out and build a sense of community and belonging.

Recently, Maurice Gipson, John Middleton and I visited the GOBCC. We met with students and staff and took a tour led by AnDrea Jackson, senior student support specialist, and Khesha Duncan, assistant director of student support services. It was great to be back and hear updates on their important work.

In addition to outreach on campus, the GOBCC collaborates with city partners to make the Columbia community a more welcoming environment for people from all backgrounds.

The GOBCC is just one example of our commitment to inclusive excellence.

— Mun