While MU officials boasted of the university’s state economic impact and research during Gov. Mike Parson’s visit to Columbia, his appearance on campus just 12 days after taking the oath of office also sent an important message.
Notable university and Columbia officials filed into Gwynn Hall Wednesday morning to meet the new governor during his hourlong visit at the university, including UM System President Mun Choi, Interim Provost Jim Spain, Mayor Brian Treece and MU Health Care CEO Jonathan Curtwright.
Choi welcomed Parson with a reiteration of the Board of Curators’ mission to transparency, accountability and the achievement of excellence, and the need to grow the university’s research despite years of slashed budgets.
“During past 20 years, the university has accomplished in growing not only student success, but research and economic development,” Choi said. “But now more than ever, with state finances the way they are and the role that the university can play in economic development, we need to redouble our efforts to grow research.”
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