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University of Missouri Facts (PDF 8.4 MB)
In her first report as chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, at the Feb. 1 meeting in St. Louis, Cheryl D. S. Walker focused on her theme for the upcoming year - economic development through research, life sciences and technology.
The University added economic development as its fourth mission, in addition to teaching, research and service, in 2003.
During Walker's tenure, each board meeting will contain a component that centers on the economic development theme, with the intent to "highlight the University's great economic development accomplishments and to make others aware of our vitality in that regard."
When thinking of any university system, few consider contributions to the economy beyond training students, Walker said. She cited a University report that describes how economic development is, in fact, achieved and measured in several ways, including the success of graduates and professionals, the majority of whom stay in the state; the operation of the University itself, a $2.3 billion dollar business that is among the state's largest public corporations; the value added through Extension and continuing education, available in every Missouri county and accessed by more than one million Missourians each year; and the health care provided across the state.
The University also conducts five dollars of research for every one dollar directly invested by the state. "Each campus plays a vital role in producing that return," Walker said.
Economic development efforts not only help the state's economy, but the University supports its own well-being in the process, adding revenues to support teaching, research and service, she said.
Walker also thanked University of Missouri Interim President Gordon H. Lamb, on the occasion of his last board meeting as interim president, for his leadership, dedication, service and guidance.