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University president urges stronger advocacy, outlines strategic priorities and legislative funding asks
Summary
The university president framed the institution as a regional public university and called for amplified advocacy, listing legislative funding requests (core funding, Chiefs camp support, social-work funding, and backing for an MTC dental project).
The university president used a broad presentation to frame the institution’s role as a regional public university and to urge board members and community partners to intensify advocacy in Jefferson City and beyond.
The president said regional public universities educate a majority of public‑higher‑education students and emphasized local workforce and economic contributions, noting that “nearly 80% of our May and December 2024 graduates work and live in Missouri” and that the university’s 10‑county service area supplies most of its students.
Turning to funding and advocacy, the president reviewed recent legislative requests the institution advanced this session and said the university sought additional operating support and program funding, citing figures presented to legislators: an additional $4,000,000 to core funding, $2,800,000 to support the Chiefs training camp, $300,000 for social work scholarship and program support, and endorsement of a $7,000,000 MTC dental funding item. The president said progress at the state level was mixed and that building a broader coalition of advocates would be a strategic priority.
The president also described ongoing partnerships and outreach (including hosting newly elected freshman legislators), roles on statewide advisory councils and other steps aimed at raising the university’s profile with state policymakers. The talk concluded with an appeal that board members align their advocacy with university strategies to help secure funding and sustain programs.
Next steps: the president asked governors to participate in coordinated advocacy efforts and to support planned outreach activities to state and federal officials.
