University of Missouri leaders focus on outreach

University of Missouri and Columbia leaders said on Friday they’re working on new strategies to communicate the real impact of the UM system hoping to attract more money from the state.

It’s no secret that the UM system is going through some big financial struggles.

State appropriations have been on the decline since the early 2000s.

In a Friday meeting, city, county and university leaders agreed if they communicate the impact of the UM system, then money from the legislature may eventually follow suit.

System President Mun Choi estimates the economic impact of the UM system is between $3 billion and $4 billion. The problem is, not enough people know that.

“How can we deliver differently so that every citizen in this state knows that on any given day the University of Missouri is making a difference in their life?” asked MU Vice Chancellor for Engagement, Marshall Stewart.

In April, the University of Missouri formed an engagement council. Its members have been all over the state working to find out how the university can better serve Missourians.

“If we do good things for Missouri, then the national recognition, the global recognition will follow,” said Stewart.

It’s a crucial move for Mizzou because the incoming freshman class is the smallest it’s been in at least a decade.

Right now, the majority of students come from urban areas, so rural outreach is key.

An economic impact study was recently done for the MU Extension program. It revealed $945 million worth of impact. That’s more than ten times their initial budget.

“It’s really important that our citizenry understand that if we want the legislators to better understand what we do and the value we have for the citizens of the state,” said Stewart.

Columbia leaders said that impact also needs to be communicated to the Legislature.

“We hope one day that it turns into appropriations but we’re also aware and understand the state’s budget and the opportunities they have,” said Columbia Chamber of Commerce President, Matt McCormick

McCormick cited the research reactor as one example. He said that affects everyone in our state because life-saving cancer research is done there.