UM System to talk new programs, enrollment at annual meeting
The University of Missouri Board of Curators will meet in Kansas City Thursday as part of an annual public session at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Campus.
The curators are expected to discuss two new degree programs for the UM System: a bachelors of science in microbiology and a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Service.
The Health and Rehabilitation Service degree will address a “critical workforce shortage in the allied health disciplines,” according to the executive summary report. The report suggests that the number of openings for such jobs exceeds graduates by at least 300. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology and public health.
Curators will also discuss the UM System’s contract and progress with marketing company 160over90. The $1.27 million, three year contract began in 2017, and according to the UM System’s report, 2018 fall enrollment was up 13 percent.
The agency’s presentation at last year’s meeting centered on rebranding efforts for universities such as the University of Wisconsin and Texas A&M.
“We try to uncover a fundamental truth about the university and communicate it,” leaders from the agency said during the 2017 curators meeting.
There will also be an update on MU Health Care, and committees are expected to discuss the purchase of SSM Health and St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.
ABC 17 News will report from the meeting Thursday and Friday.
