Chancellor’s Update

SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
Mizzou community, supporters, and friends,

I am writing today to share with you the first in a series of weekly communications to tell you about my observations since I joined the University of Missouri. I hope you will share these observations with your friends, family, colleagues, and prospective students and their parents on social media using the phrase #MizzouMade.

I have been at Mizzou for almost two months, and it has been exhilarating. I have heard many stories from students, faculty, staff, and alumni that have demonstrated how being a part of Mizzou has:

helped them to be successful;
enriched their lives with lifelong friends and, in some cases, partners;
impacted their culture with new music, art and literature; and
encouraged path-breaking technologies.

I am inspired by these stories, and I think you will be too. I encourage you to visit our #MizzouMade site to see for yourself. You’ll see perseverance, hard work, and integrity—stories that exemplify Mizzou’s core values of Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, and Excellence. I want to hear your story too. I encourage you to submit your story online.

Melinda and Alexander Cartwright during their undergraduate years at the University of IowaTo get started, I’ll share my story. For me, getting a university degree changed my life. When I was young, I never thought I would have an opportunity to attend college and certainly didn’t dream I would have the opportunity to lead the University of Missouri. I grew up in the Bahamas. Later, my mother and I moved to the U.S. My first of many jobs was to clean farm buildings. As I worked, I completed my GED. I took a job as a custodian in a factory to earn enough money to be able to attend a community college and take classes part-time. Eventually, I went on to pursue my bachelor’s in electrical engineering, and then my PhD. While in school, I was also fortunate enough to meet my wonderful wife Melinda, and we just celebrated a thirtieth wedding anniversary in July. I still remember how difficult it was for me as a first-generation college student to navigate it all. But the nurturing faculty and friends who challenged me to bring out the very best deserve a lot of the credit.

Many students and alumni have told me that the student experience at MU is similarly transformative. With world-class faculty, amazing staff, exceptional students, and award-winning curriculum and research opportunities, Mizzou can bring out the very best in you. For many of us, higher education truly changed the trajectory of our lives. We all have had different paths, but Mizzou has played a part.

Do you remember when you were making the decision to come to Mizzou? If so, tell us about your experience and how it has made a difference in your life. Submit your story here, or at the bottom of each story look for the Facebook or Twitter icon to share one already posted. Be sure to follow @Mizzou on Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time…M-I-Z!

Alexander Cartwright Alexander Cartwright
Chancellor
University of Missouri

 

RMT Sweeps Regional MAA Volunteer of the Year Awards

Congratulations to Rich Gould and Danny Collins for being awarded the 2017 MAA Tiger Pride and G.O.L.D. Volunteer of the Year Awards, respectively.  We couldn’t be more proud of our two Tigers on being honored with these two prestigious awards.

They were presented the awards during the awards banquet of MAA Leaders Weekend on Friday, September 22, where Chancellor Cartwright was the keynote speaker.

Official Figures Confirm Mizzou’s Retention Rate Second Highest in History

Fourth-week census numbers show freshman enrollment higher than expected

Sept. 20, 2017

Story Contact(s):
Christian Basi, BasiC@missouri.edu, 573-882-4430

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Enrollment at the University of Missouri rose slightly higher than expected in fourth-week census numbers released today while the campus continued to log near-record retention rates. Total enrollment is 30,870.

MU welcomed 4,134 freshmen this fall—up from the 4,009 expected based on preliminary numbers released in May. That’s more first-year students, including more Missourians, than any other university in the state.

In addition, MU’s retention rate was 87 percent—the second highest in university history. The retention rate measures how many freshmen return to Mizzou for their second year. Final figures also show the new class’s ACT average remains at 26, which is significantly above the state average of 20 and national average of 21.

“These numbers show that students and parents understand the inherent value of an MU degree,” MU Chancellor Alexander Cartwright said. “Every day, I see the power of a Missouri education in action—whether out in the field, in the lab, at the office or in the newsroom. Our students are heavily recruited because people know that Mizzou students have a strong work ethic and infuse Midwestern values into everything they do.”

Jim Spain, vice provost for undergraduate studies and eLearning, said he is pleased with the university’s strong retention rates and ACT average.

“This tells me that the University of Missouri is attracting the state’s best and brightest, and these students are successful,” Spain said. “Student success is a priority, and our students are benefitting from our efforts to improve retention.”

Garnett Stokes, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, noted students have a wealth of opportunities at Mizzou.

“We’re excited to welcome this exceptional class, and we’re excited about the future,” Stokes said. “From hands-on learning to study abroad to service learning opportunities and working closely with faculty mentors, our students are helping to take on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Pelema Morrice, vice provost for enrollment management, and Pat Okker, interim dean of the College of Arts and Science, are co-chairing the Strategic Enrollment Management Committee that is expected to shape Mizzou’s enrollment future. The committee is charged with recommending strategic efforts and policy initiatives related to enrollment.

Tigers on the Trail

Enjoy Mizzou’s bye weekend with your fellow Tigers. The Rocky Mountain Tigers are leading a hike through Mount Galbraith Park in Golden (http://jeffco.us/open-space/parks/mount-galbraith-park) to enjoy the last days of warm weather.

We will be completing the Mount Galbraith Loop, which starts and finishes from the Cedar Gulch Trailhead Parking Lot. Family members, non-alumni, and your four-legged friends are welcome to join as well.

After the hike, and for those who aren’t hiking, we will convene at Mountain Toad Brewing, 900 Washington Ave in Golden, for refreshments – the brewery has many craft beers, non-alcoholic options, and a food truck available every day.

HIKE DETAILS
Approximately 2 hours – 4.5 miles round-trip and 1,000 vertical gain
Moderate difficulty – the trail is well-marked
Dogs on-leash are allowed
Lots of sunlight, so bring sunscreen or protection
Meet at Cedar Gulch Trailhead Parking Lot, near 21992 Golden Gate Canyon Road, Golden, CO 80403.

Football Watch Party at The Shack

It’s Tigers vs. Tigers as Mizzou takes on Auburn September 23. Join us for a football watch party at our southern location, The Shack at Broadway and Mineral in Littleton. Alumni, parents, friends and fans of all ages are welcome at this family-friendly spot with great service and great food throughout the game. Kickoff is slated for 5 or 5:30 p.m. We’ll update when we get the final time, but either way we’ll be there 30 minutes beforehand.

Football Watch Party at Whiskey Bar

It’s Tigers vs. Tigers! Join the Rocky Mountain Tigers to cheer on our Tigers against Auburn September 23. We’ll be selling Harpo’s-style stadium cups featuring our new RMT mascot, Skiing Truman. Proceeds go to support our endowment, and the cup will get you an extra $1 off already-discounted pitchers at Whiskey Bar. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. MDT. Alumni, parents, friends and fans all welcome.!
 

Football Watch Party at Whiskey Bar

Join the Rocky Mountain Tigers for our first official Mizzou football the Whiskey Bar, our longtime watch party headquarters where Mizzou games are always on. Kickoff vs. South Carolina is 5 p.m. We’ll have Mizzou swag, including fridge magnets with our complete 2017 watch party schedule. We’ll also be selling stadium cups featuring our new RMT mascot, Skiing Truman, to raise money for the RMT Endowment. Alumni, parents, friends and all Mizzou fans welcome!
 

Football Watch Party at The Shack

Join the Rocky Mountain Tigers for our first official Mizzou football watch party at our South Denver location, The Shack in Littleton. Kickoff vs. South Carolina is 5 p.m. at this family-friendly spot with great food. We’ll have Mizzou swag, including fridge magnets with our complete 2017 watch party schedule. We’ll also be selling stadium cups featuring our new RMT mascot, Skiing Truman, to raise money for the RMT Endowment. Alumni, parents, friends and all Mizzou fans welcome!

APPROVED: New Mizzou Football South End Zone Facility Construction

Show Me the future!

The University’s Board of Curators has given unanimous approval for construction of a $98 million south end zone facility at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium. This project will provide state-of-the-art training facilities for Mizzou Football, create additional premium seating opportunities and game-day enhancements for all Tiger fans to enjoy, and bring new jobs to Columbia.

For more information about the project and a great history of Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium, visit http://mizzousouthend.zone.

Land Grant Compact Will Provide Access to Missouri Residents

Land Grant Compact Will Provide Access to Missouri Residents

New grants underscore the University of Missouri’s pledge to fulfill its land-grant mission by offering more competitive, affordable education to Missourians

Aug. 24, 2017

Story Contact(s):
Liz McCune, mccunee@missouri.edu, 573-882-6212

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Today, University of Missouri Chancellor Alexander Cartwright and Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Pelema Morrice signed the Missouri Land Grant Compact, which will expand higher education access and affordability at MU for Missouri residents for generations to come.

As part of the compact, MU will offer the Missouri Land Grant and Missouri Land Grant Honors for Missouri residents. The Missouri Land Grant will cover all tuition and fees for all Pell-eligible Missouri residents who qualify for admission to MU. Missouri Land Grant Honors will meet 100 percent of unmet financial need, including tuition, fees, books and room and board, for Pell-eligible students enrolled in the Honors College.

The compact means that thousands of Mizzou students will be able to attend the university tuition-free. Based on current enrollment, it is expected that more than 3,500 MU students from Missouri will qualify for the grants annually.

“As the founders of this university did nearly 180 years ago, today we are reaffirming our pledge to provide access to higher education with the belief that an educated citizenry is the key to advancing the state of Missouri, our nation and world,” said Cartwright, who began his role as chancellor earlier this month. “It is a tremendous honor as chancellor to sign this historic compact and invest in attracting the state’s best and brightest.”

The grants are an homage to MU’s status as a land-grant university. The first public university west of the Mississippi River, MU was awarded land-grant status in 1870 through the Morrill Act. The act was intended to provide a broad segment of the population with practical education that has direct relevance to their daily lives.

Morrice said the grants will play an important role in attracting Missouri’s top talent who are heavily recruited by universities outside the state.

“We already know that the Pell Grant program is transformational for our students and opens pathways for many to attend MU who couldn’t otherwise,” Morrice said. “These grants are intended to build on the Pell program and create competitive financial awards for all Missouri residents who qualify.”

Most federal Pell Grants are awarded to students whose families make less than $30,000 annually. Pell Grants usually provide a maximum of $6,000 in higher education assistance annually, leaving significant gaps for some individuals and their families.

Mizzou invests about $12 million per year on need-based financial aid to promote access and affordability in higher education. MU students graduate, on average, with $8,000 less in student debt than the national average.

“Keeping higher education affordable and addressing student debt has been a focus at Mizzou for many years,” said Nick Prewett, executive director of the Office of Student Financial Aid. “We have a strong commitment to help students identify the financial resources necessary to fund a Mizzou education, resulting in students graduating with the least amount of debt. This helps put them on a great path as they begin their careers.”

The Missouri Land Grants will be available to students beginning in fall 2018. They are open to incoming freshmen as well as continuing and transfer students.

Editor’s note: Frequently Asked Questions about the Missouri Land Grant Compact

Pronunciation guide: Pelema is pronounced “Pah – lem – uh” (rhymes with “dilemma”) Morrice is pronounced “Morris”

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