Steven Chaffin

The meeting included the presentation of the Remington R. Williams award, updates on the University of Missouri expansion in Springfield and progress on the Memorial Stadium centennial project. Discussions also covered the Energy Innovation Center, various campus center developments, and upcoming student and alumni events. Additionally, the Board reviewed university system enrollment trends, philanthropy goals, state performance funding models, and honored the contributions of long-time faculty member Jim Spain.

This document outlines the strategic priorities for the University of Missouri System, unifying its four academic research institutions under a common vision of excellence. It identifies key pillars of focus: Student Success, Research and Creative Works, Engagement and Outreach, and Planning, Operations and Stewardship. The plan aims to support the Missouri Compacts by strengthening academic standards, enhancing learning experiences, fostering collaborative research, building inclusive campus environments, establishing innovative partnerships, and ensuring efficient long-term planning and accountability.

The Board meeting included reports from the Chair and the President regarding research, university leadership, enrollment, and student success. The Board approved the 2026 meeting calendar and amended various committee appointments for 2025. Key actions included the approval of committee charters, updates to debt and derivatives policies, approval of the School of Engineering Science Complex Renovation at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, the extension of a test-optional admissions pilot, and an amendment to the Standard of Conduct.

The meeting included the presentation of the Remington R. Williams award and the recognition of distinguished professors. Key discussion topics featured updates on various capital projects including the Missouri Protolex building and the NextGen MR project. The board also reviewed student achievements, including success in athletic and academic competitions such as chess championships and petroleum engineering symposiums. Additionally, the board discussed admissions data, trends in international student enrollment, and federal funding levels for research agencies such as the NIH and NSF.

The Board of Curators meeting included several reports and approvals. Key discussions in the public session involved the University of Missouri Board Chair's report, which touched upon Distinguished Professors recognition, a partnership with South Korea, the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project, and the Schools of Law at MU and UMKC. The University System President's report covered US News and World Report ratings, FTE Enrollments, Graduation Rates, Student and Faculty Success, and Major Grants. The University of Missouri-St. Louis Chancellor's report focused on enrollment outlook, new faculty, research activity, and the Transform UMSL update. The Consent Agenda included approval of the revised 2026 Board of Curators Meeting Calendar and amendments to CRR 330.110 Standards of Faculty Conduct. General business in the executive session included updates on MU Athletics, KWMU and KCUR Public Radio Stations, Faculty Salary Competitiveness, and the MURR Contract. The Board also addressed reports from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the General Counsel. The meeting concluded with the election of the 2026 Board Officers, naming Curator Todd Graves as Chair and Curator Robert Blitz as Vice Chair.