MU Faculty Council survey shows dissatisfaction with chancellor

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The MU Faculty Council met Thursday to discuss a report on Chancellor Mun Choi that showed some faculty are dissatisfied with his performance.

The survey had a total of 547 responses, and just under 25 percent of the staff was contacted.

Those responding gave Choi his highest marks recognizing scholarship, and how he represents the university to groups like the Board of Curators and state legislature. He was rated lowest in his commitment to shared governance of the school, and the survey showed faculty feel like they aren't being heard by him.

A majority of the survey takers said Choi should not be retained.

Some members of the faculty council said they felt uncomfortable with the anonymity of the survey, and did not fill it out.

Council members said they are working to address some the communication between faculty and the chancellor.

"One main thing that we can look to is the Chancellor and Chief of Staff, as well as the Provost separately, have set up office hours or whatever you call them to where you can go meet with them and talk about whatever you want," Graham McCaulley, MU Associate Extension Professor said.

Faculty council member Chuck Muter said he was disheartened but not surprised about how people felt about the university, but encouraged they use the information to make constructive changes.

In a statement, Choi said he found some of the comments "thoughtful and helpful.

"After reviewing the results, I am interested in finding ways for my cabinet and I to collect more constructive input on a variety of topics from a broader group of faculty," Choi said.

The faculty council censured Choi in 2020 over his handling of a faculty recommendations on promotion and tenure decisions.