Dear UM System Faculty, Staff, Students:
Following the FY19 budget proposal, support for public higher education has been the center of many discussions in Jefferson City and across the state. I can assure you that your strong contributions to student success, research breakthroughs and engagement have been at the forefront of those important discussions. Since March 2017, the chancellors and I have made numerous visits with legislators and other elected officials in their home districts as well as at the Capitol. We’ve delivered key testimonies to the House Special Committee on Urban Issues, the Senate Appropriations Committee (please click link for testimony), the House Joint Committee on Education, and the Subcommittee on Appropriations – Education. We also presented to the joint leadership regarding the progress we’ve made with the UM Review Commission. Just this past week, we met with senate and house leaders to discuss the importance of investments in public higher education. To read about these interactions and the accompanying testimonies, please visit our website at www.umsystem.edu/ums/gr/blog.
We are continuing to have positive engagements with elected officials to make a strong case for restoration of the proposed cuts to our appropriations and collaborative programs, as well as relief from SB389. Elected officials have responded very favorably to our efforts and have expressed their strong support. I want to thank the elected officials for their strong commitment for the welfare of Missourians and the importance of public higher education and economic development.
I am encouraged by and proud of the work you do each day. We will continue to stay the course by sharing the exciting developments at the university and the value of higher public education. I ask for your continuing support of our positive and productive engagements with elected officials.
As always, thank you for all you do for the University.
Sincerely,
Mun Choi, President
UM System
Reviewed 2019-08-05