Roger J. Best

The strategic plan serves as a roadmap for the University of Central Missouri, establishing a clear set of priorities to align its mission, vision, and values with student and community needs. It aims to focus resources, measure progress, and adapt to change. Key objectives include providing a transformative education, building a welcoming community, and preparing graduates to redefine possibilities.

This document records the Fall 2020 Undergraduate Commencement exercises for the University of Central Missouri's College of Health Science and Technology, School of Geoscience Physics and Safety, and School of Nutrition Kinesiology and Psychological Science. Remarks were delivered by Dr. Randall Langston, Master of Ceremonies, Governor Stephen Abney of the Board of Governors, and University President Dr. Roger Best, who shared a personal testimony regarding his health challenges and encouraged graduates to resolve to 'not be done.' Dean Dr. Alice Griffey then addressed the graduates, encouraging them to transition from dreaming to doing, emphasizing action and contribution to society. The ceremony included acknowledgments of faculty, musical performances, name readers, the commencement committee, and recognition of graduating military service members, academic/athletic competitors, older graduates, working graduates, first-generation graduates, and those graduating despite the global pandemic. Degrees were conferred by the President.

The document captures the Spring 2021 Commencement ceremony for the University of Central Missouri, specifically for the College of Health Science and Technologies, School of Nursing, and School of Natural Sciences. Key components included welcoming graduates, faculty, and guests; recognizing mothers on Mother's Day; acknowledging outstanding faculty and staff; acknowledging musical performances by the UCM Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir; introducing the platform party including the Board of Governors Vice President and University President; and delivering remarks from the Board of Governors, the Dean of the College of Health Science and Technology, and a graduating student representative from the School of Nursing. The speakers emphasized the institution's history, the resilience required to complete studies during the pandemic, the importance of action over dreaming, and the significance of friendship and mentorship gained. The student speaker highlighted the unique experience of nursing students navigating virtual clinicals and the team-based approach adopted.

This document describes a partnership between the Full Employment Council, University of Central Missouri, and SnapIT Solutions. The core purpose of this collaboration is to develop and deliver programming certificates at UCM that provide just-in-time training and tuition assistance to address IT talent shortages in Kansas and Missouri. Key priorities include training individuals without traditional four-year degrees, focusing on both technical skills and critical personal effectiveness skills such as communication and teamwork. The intended outcome is to equip participants with job-ready capabilities, enabling them to secure and advance in IT careers.

This "State of the University" address reviews the University of Central Missouri's achievements from the past year, acknowledging the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines current priorities, which include aligning institutional expenditures with anticipated revenue, managing the ongoing COVID-19 response through a phased approach, and fostering inclusion and diversity through various programs and community partnerships. The address emphasizes the need for the existing strategic plan to be adaptable to changing circumstances.