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Travis Zimpfer
(573) 882-6212
ZimpferT@umsystem.edu
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – At the annual University of Missouri Board of Curators Development Session, the board expressed appreciation for the growth and improvement made at the UM System and the four universities over the past academic year. In a show of support and confidence in the current leadership, the curators voted unanimously to extend System President Mun Choi’s contract by two years. Following the vote, Choi’s contract will now expire in 2024.
“In less than 18 months, Mun Choi has come to the ÁùºÏ±¦µä and completely transformed this institution restoring us to excellence,” Board Chair David Steelman said. “Under his watch, the university has found new and innovative ways to save money; improved the climate for our faculty, staff and students; and repaired relationships with our elected officials. We want to make sure he stays at the university for years to come.”
“Dr. Mun Choi’s vision and leadership has helped stabilize our flagship university and brought back open communication that has resulted in the trust that faculty, staff, students and stakeholders need,” Governor Mike Parson said. “This contract extension is well deserved, and I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Choi as we move Missouri forward.”
Since arriving in March 2017, Choi has worked with university leaders to accomplish several goals and initiatives, including:
- Working with the curators and general officers to create a ÁùºÏ±¦µä that is transparent, accountable, efficient and enduring in its commitment to achieve excellence.
- Increasing enrollment at all four universities, including a predicted 13 percent increase at the University of Missouri-Columbia this fall.
- Hiring permanent chancellors at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Alexander Cartwright) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (Mauli Agrawal).
- Emphasizing the growth of extramural research at all four universities, including the Precision Medicine Initiative and the Translational Precision Medical Complex.
- Improving relationships with elected officials, resulting in the state restoring the UM budget appropriation.
- Eliminating a number of top administrative positions at the UM System resulting in savings that could be applied to student success or research support across the four universities.
- Affirming Freedom of Speech for people of all views at all four universities.
- Creating new programs that provide students with low-cost or free text books, and signing a contract with McGraw-Hill to keep online textbook prices low.
- Implementing new benefit policies for staff to help them achieve greater fulfillment and success in their profession.
“President Choi’s work to improve affordability, address the culture of our universities and deepen a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and ensure that we are hiring and retaining great faculty and staff has been very impressive in his short time here,” said Darryl Chatman, vice chair of the Board of Curators. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know President Choi, and I’m looking forward to working with him in the future as the ÁùºÏ±¦µä continues to achieve great accomplishments and respond to the needs of the state.”
“Currently, more than 770 employees at Burns & McDonnell earned their degrees from the ÁùºÏ±¦µä,” said Ray Kowalik, chairman and CEO of Burns & McDonnell. “In fact, I’m a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the schools have consistently been on top of our list of the most graduates starting with us. I have spent time with Mun Choi personally, and I know the University has a tremendous future and is in great hands.”
Per Choi’s request, his compensation will not change as a result of the contract extension.
“I’m honored by the faith the board has demonstrated in my leadership,” Choi said. “It is a privilege to lead the ÁùºÏ±¦µä. I’m fortunate to have a wonderful team of leaders and advisors that have helped me in my first year. I could not have been as successful without their dedication and the support of faculty, staff and students to this historic institution.”
“In his short time here, President Choi has always put our students first,” said Courtney Lauer, University of Missouri student representative to the board and chair of the Intercampus Student Council. “He has been responsive to student requests and ha