UCM Board of Governors Advances Student Success Initiatives, Strategic Planning and Oversight Measures

Flanked by UCM Board of Governors President John Collier, left, and UCM President Roger Best, Dr. Adam Runyon received the faculty Education for Service Award at the April 2026 Board of Governors meeting in Warrensburg.

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Board of Governors took action on student success initiatives, reviewed progress on a new strategic plan and approved key oversight measures during its April 24 meeting.

The Board reviewed a comprehensive report on student retention, highlighting ongoing challenges and new strategies to improve outcomes. UCM’s first-year retention rate remains around 70 to 71 percent, several percentage points below peer institutions, with the transition from first to second year identified as the most critical point of attrition.

To address this, the Board advanced a proposal to require a one-credit-hour First-Year Seminar for all first-time college students beginning in fall 2026. The course is designed to strengthen student engagement and connection. A related faculty development requirement, focused on improving instruction and engagement in first-year and general education courses, was also approved.

Board members also received an update on the development of UCM’s new strategic plan, which is scheduled for phased implementation beginning July 1. The plan is being developed through a campuswide, data-informed process that includes stakeholder interviews, surveys and working groups. It will be structured around strategic imperatives, opportunity areas and unit-level initiatives.

A revised mission statement was presented: “We empower individuals to learn deeply, grow confidently and navigate change with purpose.” Proposed updates to the university’s vision and values emphasize curiosity, impact, innovation, service and integrity.

The Board approved a fiscal year 2027 internal audit plan aligned with university budgeting and reporting cycles. The plan includes audits of UCM Alumni Foundation expenditures, procurement operations and timekeeping systems, with additional capacity reserved for investigations and management requests.

University Advancement reported that UCM’s comprehensive campaign has reached 99 percent of its overall goal, with 84 percent completion across priority areas. The campaign is entering its public phase under the “Dreams Unite” theme, supported by marketing and branding efforts developed in collaboration with the Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications. Alumni engagement currently stands at approximately 35 percent, exceeding national averages.

The Board recognized several student, faculty and institutional achievements, including UCM’s first-place finish in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge, national rankings for cybersecurity and online graduate programs, military-friendly school recognition and the Mules golf team’s second-place finish in the MIAA Championship.

Joyce Chang, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Human Services, was recognized as the 2026 Byler Distinguished Faculty Award recipient. Hadley Oden and Piper Foreman were honored as the 2026 Charno Award recipients, while Emma Rice, a senior majoring in Early Childhood Education, received the student Education for Service Award. Adam Runyon, Ph.D., received the faculty Education for Service Award, and Keri Busker received the staff Education for Service Award.

In addition, the Board approved emeritus status for Joni Porter, employer and events coordinator for the Career and Life Design Center, who is retiring after more than 16 years of service to the university.

The Board approved a consent agenda that included several operational items related to facilities and services. Board members also reviewed third-quarter financial and investment reports.

Spring commencement is scheduled for May 8 and 9, with approximately 1,700 graduates expected to be recognized.

For more information about the UCM Board of Governors and upcoming meetings, visit ucmo.edu/bog.