UCM Board of Governors Approves Budget, Academic Programs and Campus Improvements

By Alex Greenwood, July 2, 2025

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Board of Governors met June 13, 2025, on the Warrensburg campus, approving a series of strategic initiatives focused on student success, operational efficiency and academic innovation.

All items presented for a vote during the public session were approved unanimously.

FY 2026 Operating Budget

The board approved the university's fiscal year 2026 operating budget, which reflects a disciplined approach in response to enrollment-driven revenue declines. The budget eliminates 36 long-term vacant positions, generating approximately $2.3 million in savings, while making investments in faculty promotions, student wage increases and insurance adjustments. The budget also includes reductions in enhancement and contingency funds to maintain budget balance without compromising instructional quality.

FY 2027 Capital and Operating Requests

The board approved two major funding requests for submission to the state. The capital appropriations request prioritizes projects focused on deferred maintenance and campus infrastructure. The operating appropriations request seeks $73.5 million to support institutional needs for the fiscal year 2027 state budget cycle.

Academic Program and Department Updates

As part of the consent agenda, the board approved several academic items. The board changed the program title for the Bachelor of Science in Education from Middle School-Junior High School Education to Middle School Education, aligning with updated Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education terminology. The board also approved two new program options under the Bachelor of Science in Education: Marketing Teacher Education and Journalism Teacher Education. The board approved a department name change for Sociology, Anthropology and Social Studies, with the new department title of Sociology and Anthropology to be reflected in future academic catalogs.

Facilities and Resource Investments

To support campus operations and student experience, the board approved the removal of a grain shed at Mitchell Street Farm to optimize agricultural operations and the purchase of new aircraft for the university's nationally recognized aviation program. The board also approved replacing field lighting at Audrey J. Walton Stadium to improve safety and energy efficiency for athletic and campus events and renewing institutional subscriptions to EBSCO and ProQuest research platforms, which support teaching, learning and scholarship.

Emeritus Status for Retiring Faculty and Staff

The board conferred emeritus status on nine retiring faculty and staff members, honoring decades of service:

• Dr. David Aaberg, chair and professor of Music (1986-2025)
• Karen Breshears, chef and instructor of Nutrition (1999-2025)
• Alan Cline, information security officer (2001-2025)
• Susan Feeback, RPDC school resources specialist (2008-2025)
• Kirk Pedersen, Cross Country head coach/Distance coach (1997-2025)
• Michael O'Keefe, KMOS programming and communications manager (1982-2025)
• Dr. Leigh Ann Blunt, professor of Safety Sciences (1999-2025)
• Dr. Hang Chen, professor of Computer Science (1992-2025)
• Sandra Jenkins, instructor of Library Science (2000-2025)

Collectively, these individuals represent more than 250 years of distinguished service to the university in teaching, leadership and student support.

For more information about the UCM Board of Governors or to view upcoming agendas and reports, visit ucmo.edu/bog.