University of Missouri

University Communications

Spectrum

Volume 34, Number 2, February 2007

President Floyd reports on state of the University

“The state of our University is strong and deeply robust. We have an inspiring story to tell the citizens of Missouri,” University of Missouri President Elson S. Floyd told curators at their Jan. 26 meeting in St. Louis.

“I have been privileged to serve as president, and I look forward to continuing the University’s momentum over the coming months,” Floyd said. “Working together, we have accomplished much during these past four years.”

The University has moved through a period of unprecedented state appropriations cuts toward a recent state reinvestment in public higher education, Floyd noted. The $20 million administrative streamlining plan helped the University become a more efficient organization, with funds to be reinvested to benefit students and academic programs. The initiative far exceeded the original goal of $12.5 million.

Floyd also said that the University has improved the financial condition of UM Health Care, while still providing some $47 million annually in uncompensated care.

Even during those difficult budget times, the University “managed to do more with less.” He cited record student enrollment and record minority enrollment along with the University’s work to “ensure that the doors of the University remain open and accessible.”

To improve access, the University created scholarships for the neediest students and implemented a tuition guideline to help students and their families plan.

Among the other achievements Floyd mentioned was adding economic development as the University’s fourth mission – in addition to teaching, research and service – to better recognize the University’s statewide impact and to engage communities throughout Missouri.

Floyd noted that there may be Missourians who will never visit one of the University’s campuses, but whose lives will be impacted in a positive way through the University’s extension programs. “That’s the paramount importance of our University,” he said.

“As a research and land-grant institution we can extend ourselves throughout this wonderful state, making sure that we are bringing the highest-quality programs imaginable to the communities we serve throughout Missouri,” Floyd said. “That’s the investment that Missourians have made in the University, and that’s the stewardship that we have been deeply committed to doing.”

Previous | February 2007 Index | Next