Words of Williams for July 16, 2024 - Presidential Updates (2024)

Well, I’ve been in the job for two weeks. I’ve met a lot of people on and off campus and have been briefed on various campus operations.

Here are some of the highlights.

Donors

Our generous donors, boards and volunteers are critical to the success of Missouri State University. I’ve attended two major donor breakfasts, where over 50 people attended each event. I’ve also had several one-on-one meetings. It’s been amazing to meet individuals who love Missouri State and want to ensure and promote its success through their time, gifts and talent.

Vice President Brent Dunn and his university advancement team walked me through their process of engaging donors and alums. After participating in these first few breakfasts and meetings, it’s clear they’re outstanding at what they do. This year, the Missouri State Foundation raised nearly $36 million from almost 20,000 donors.

This past Friday, I was honored to join Dean Shawn Wahl in accepting a six-figure donation in support of the Missouri State Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Springfield Way Interdisciplinary Internship program. It was a great day to be a Bear!

Springfield

I met with Mayor Ken McClure. He’s a keeper of the political history of the state and Springfield. What a great supporter of our university, too! I look forward to learning more from him over the next months and years.

It was also great to meet with Matt Morrow, president and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce as I’m learning more about the collaborative and supportive business community of Springfield. I was able to see this in practice at the monthly Good Morning Springfield event, held this month in the Wilson Logistics Arena at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

Springfield campus

I spent the afternoon of my first day on campus meeting with university safety to learn more about our emergency preparedness process. Since you never know when an emergency might arise, it’s important that I understand our processes as soon as possible.

I toured the campus and facilities with Vice President Matt Morris. If asked, I’m feeling a little more comfortable about giving directions to campus visitors. I appreciate all he and his team do in keeping our campus and facilities looking beautiful and up to date.

I also toured the Jordan Valley Innovation Center. Wow and wow again! When I have my words back, I’ll share more about it in a later column.

I learned more about Community Affairs and Global Partnerships from Vice President Brad Bodenhausen. Did you know we partner with institutions in 20 countries for educational exchanges? He and his team are doing some amazing work. We’re fortunate to have them as part of our Bear family.

I had the opportunity to meet with the faculty and staff senates. I look forward to building relationships with these two important campus groups. I left our meetings feeling energized and excited about future collaborations in making Missouri State the best institution it can be.

It was clear to me that these two groups represent their constituents very well and want the best for MSU and our students. We have an exciting future working collaboratively together.

Fun

Not to say that all my meetings haven’t been fun, but I had a great time at Tent Theatre for Mystic Pizza, the final show of the 2024 season.

I also attended the Trio Upward Bound summer academy awards banquet. I was deeply inspired by these students and the staff who have served them so well. I appreciate Vice President Dee Siscoe and her staff for the great service they provide these awesome students. I can’t wait to see these students become Bears someday.

Fourth of July fireworks in my new neighborhood were pretty spectacular. We didn’t see anything like that in the dry desert of Utah. We’re grateful for the Midwest hospitality and the many invitations for Kristin and I to join in these celebrations.

And finally, I’m happy to report I finally made it to Westlake Hardware store, and I didn’t walk out empty-handed! And not incidental — Kristin and I have unpacked all our boxes! I can’t say I remember where everything is, but it’s all unpacked.

Thanks for checking in. It’s great to be a Bear!

Biff