UCM Board of Governors Approves Health Insurance Renewal, Airport Master Plan, Facility Enhancements, and Celebrates Philanthropic Milestone

By Alex Greenwood, September 9, 2025

 

 

The University of Central Missouri’s (UCM) Board of Governors met Aug. 21 in Warrensburg to take action on several initiatives impacting students, employees, and the broader community and celebrate major philanthropic support. The meeting was followed by the board’s annual retreat, where university leaders provided reports on enrollment, athletics, alumni engagement, and fundraising.

The board approved the university’s 2026 employee health insurance renewal with a 5.5 percent rate increase, significantly below market trends, while maintaining the 78 percent cost-share covered by UCM. Administrators credited improved claims experience and wellness initiatives for keeping costs manageable. Governors also authorized a $267,086.50 change order to the TR Gaines Technology Building renovation to relocate and modernize the concrete lab, strengthening programs in Construction Management and Safety Sciences. 

In addition, the board adopted the Skyhaven Airport Master Plan and layout plan, a step university leaders said is essential for securing state and federal approvals for future development, including a proposed runway extension to support flight training, economic development, and regional growth.

The board conferred emeritus status upon seven retiring faculty and staff members whose careers have left a lasting mark on the university: Sam Hatley, 15 years of service; Jody Loggins, nearly 28 years of service; John Edding, 32 years of service; Judge Venetia Carmack, 17 years of service; Mark Krause, nearly 20 years of service; Lisa Smith, 10 years of service; and Brenda Woods, 26 years of service.

 

President Roger Best praised the honorees for their dedication to students and the university community, noting that emeritus recognition is one of the board’s most meaningful traditions. 

In addition, the board approved awarding a posthumous honorary degree to Hari Kiran Gowd Senagana, who passed away on July 4, 2025.

 

As part of its annual retreat, the Board received in-depth reports from university leaders on areas central to UCM’s future success:

• Enrollment: While overall headcount declined due to international graduate enrollment challenges, UCM reported a 12 percent increase in first-time freshmen and continued growth in out-of-state and international undergraduates. Leaders also previewed the upcoming 2026 Strategic Enrollment Management Plan.
  
  
• Athletics: The Athletic Department reported strong academic performance by student-athletes, facility enhancements, increased sponsorship revenue and continued community service engagement.
  
  
• Alumni and Fundraising: The UCM Alumni Foundation announced a $20 million pledge from campaign honorary co-chair David Steward, founder of World Wide Technology. The gift includes $3 million for the new Welcome Center’s performance hall and gallery, to be named for Steward’s late mother, Dorothy. The remainder will support future initiatives. With this pledge, UCM’s Dreams Unite campaign has reached 99 percent of its $50 million goal, positioning the university to expand the campaign before its public launch.
  
  
• Alumni Engagement and Student Success: Presentations from alumni and students highlighted how UCM’s Alumni Ambassador Program and the Student Managed Investment Fund create valuable mentoring and career opportunities. Students from the fashion program also shared their experiences, emphasizing how faculty support, alumni connections, and hands-on learning are helping them prepare for professional success.

The board also approved its 2026 meeting calendar and confirmed committee assignments for the year.