University of Missouri-System Office

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.

The Board of Curators meeting included General Business where the Chair presented on Remington R. Williams recipients and Curators Distinguished Teaching Professors, and discussed a 3-year contract extension for the President. The President's report provided updates on Core Appropriations, Federal FY26 funding, new faculty hires, and major grants. The Consent Agenda covered approval for the June 26, 2025 Board of Curators Meeting minutes, amendments to Collected Rules and Regulations concerning UMSL Faculty Bylaws, Veterans Day holiday observance, electronic signatures in the Retirement, Disability and Death Benefit Plan, and Fall Semester 2025 degrees. Project approvals were granted for the Olson Performing Arts Center Addition & Renovations Phase 1 at UMKC and the Physics Building Renovation Project at S&T. The Ethics, Compliance and Audit Services Charter was also approved. The Finance Committee addressed the Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Performance Review, the Fiscal Year 2026 Strategic Dividend Distribution, and approved mid-year modifications to the Five-Year Capital Plans for all campuses, including specific project shifts and additions. The committee also approved retaining the investment consulting firm Verus for one year. The Governance, Compensation and Human Resources committee approved the creation of the Curators' Outstanding Staff Award. The Academic, Student Affairs, Research and Economic Development committee authorized the University of Missouri-Columbia to request approval to offer the full 4-year Medical Doctor (M.D.) curriculum in Springfield, MO. The Audit, Compliance and Ethics Committee authorized the employment of Forvis Mazars LLP for audit services for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Both the Audit, Compliance and Ethics Committee and the full Board held executive sessions to discuss matters including litigation, personnel actions, and confidential communications with counsel and auditors.