UCM Board of Governors Extends President Roger Best’s Contract

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Board of Governors has unanimously extended Dr. Roger Best’s contract as university president, underscoring confidence in the university’s continued progress during a time of rapid change in higher education.

The contract extension reflects the board's alignment with and support of Dr. Best's strategic vision and commitment to his continued leadership during a transformative period in higher education.

Since Dr. Best’s appointment as UCM’s 16th president in 2018, the university has maintained momentum through higher education sector-wide challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, declines in the national college-going rate, and technological transformation. The board cited steady enrollment, expanded workforce programs, and sound long-term financial planning as evidence of stability, praising Dr. Best’s commitment to meeting the needs of the students, families and communities UCM serves.

 

"Roger has skillfully guided the university through a challenging period for higher education," said Board of Governors President John Collier. "The university has maintained strong enrollments while other institutions struggled, and he has charted a strong course for the future with his grasp of business realities and unwavering focus on student success and redefining what’s possible."

Collier added, "Roger can look to the horizon while staying focused on what needs to happen today. Few people can do that kind of analysis while managing both today's work and tomorrow's direction."

 

In response to the board’s action and Collier’s remarks, Dr. Best reflected on the collective efforts of faculty, staff and students that drive the university forward.

 

"Robin and I are grateful to continue our service to the University of Central Missouri and appreciate the confidence the Board of Governors has in the transformative work that happens here every day," Dr. Best said. "We love the students at UCM and are continually rewarded when we see the support our faculty and staff provide to them and the tremendous successes those students have while here and when they become alumni. The stories we hear from our alumni reaffirm that UCM provides better futures for our students and is essential to Missouri's success."

Dr. Best added, "I'm fortunate to work with tremendously committed professionals, including the members of the President’s Council and the Board of Governors, who wish nothing more than for our students to succeed. I look forward to continuing to engage with our many constituencies to ensure the University of Central Missouri thrives currently and into the future."

During Dr. Best’s tenure, UCM has made significant progress in academics, finances, workforce development and community engagement.

Institutional Achievements Since 2018

Academic Excellence and Innovation

• Completed a substantial revision of the UCM General Education program.

• Expanded the number of academic departments to achieve program focus and recruitment opportunities.

• Established a promotion process for Instructional (non-tenure-track) Faculty.

• Earned the highest possible outcome in the 2024 Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation: full reaffirmation with no interim monitoring.

• Maintained recognition among top Midwest institutions in U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.

• Repeatedly ranked among the nation’s top 15 institutions for veterans, earning Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School designations.

• Created the Career and Life Design Center to empower students and alumni with knowledge, connections and support for career readiness and life design, helping them explore and build meaningful career and life journeys.

• Launched the First-Year Experience to prepare new students for success with comprehensive academic, professional, social and personal support.

Infrastructure and Financial Stewardship

• Completed a comprehensive campus master plan to guide future development.

• $123 million invested in capital projects, with $19 million committed to deferred maintenance over the last seven years.

• Examples of major projects include the complete renovation of the 89,000-square-foot Humphreys Building (to be completed in spring 2026), construction of the Skyhaven Aviation Center, additional renovations within the W.C. Morris Science Building, construction of the Harbert Collegiate Golf Center, creation of the Hough Education and Counseling Center, construction of the Denker Wrestling Facility and modernization of Construction Management/Safety Science Labs in the T.R. Gaines Building.

• Increased the university’s total salary and benefits by more than 15% over a three-year period following a comprehensive compensation and benefits study.

• Maintained an A+ bond rating from S&P Global Ratings with a “stable outlook.”

Workforce Development

• Continued UCM’s 154-year mission as Missouri’s original normal school, preparing Missouri’s workforce with expanded non-credit certificate programs, with a 102.6% increase in enrollment since 2018.

• Created additional classroom and office space at the Summit Technology Campus, expanding facilities for UCM Lee’s Summit beyond the Missouri Innovation Campus.

• Introduced new workforce programs in high-demand fields, including security, drone tech, healthcare and business.

Access and Affordability

• Maintained position as one of the most cost-effective, value-added universities in the country, with 94% of undergraduates receiving at least one form of financial aid and first destination success (post-graduation placement) rates above 90%.

• Expanded opportunities for service-learning, study abroad and applied learning.

Strategic Asset Development

• Secured donor, state and federal funding for capital projects, academic program needs and workforce development programs.

• Expanded KMOS PBS from one channel operating 18 hours daily to four channels broadcasting 24/7, serving nearly 1 million Missourians.

• Achieved record alumni engagement through the UCM Alumni Foundation.

• Created two Extended Reality labs to expand capabilities in augmented and virtual reality-based education and curriculum.

About President Best

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Best earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia College in 1989 and a doctorate in finance from Florida State University in 1996. He joined UCM in 1995 as an assistant professor of finance, advancing to full professor in 2005. His administrative service included roles as department chair, associate dean, dean of the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies, and executive vice president and chief operating officer before becoming president.

Dr. Best was recognized as the first recipient of the Dr. John E. Sallstrom Honors College Alumnus of the Year award from Georgia College and was named one of "50 Missourians You Should Know" by Ingram's Magazine.

Dr. Best and his wife, Robin, live in Warrensburg. They have two daughters and six grandchildren. He serves on several boards, including the Kansas City Area Development Council, Kansas City PBS and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also a delegate to the AASCU Council of State Representatives.