By Jeff Murphy,
June 8, 2017
WARRENSBURG, MO – A strong advocate for collaboration among Missouri’s public four-year
institutions of higher education, University of Central Missouri President Chuck Ambrose
this week assumed a leadership position within an organization that supports a unified
voice for state-supported universities. On Wednesday, June 7, he began a two-year
term as chair of the Missouri Council on Public Higher Education (COPHE), making him
the first UCM president to hold this position.
“Dr. Ambrose is a very innovative thinker and very collaborative spirit. He has leadership
qualities that will serve COPHE well,” said Paul Wagner, executive director of COPHE.
“We’re all looking forward to him being our chair.”
COPHE is a nonprofit organization that includes as members the presidents and chancellors
at Missouri’s 13 public four-year universities, as well as the president of the University
of Missouri system. The organization is represented by institutions that are focused
on the delivery of excellent undergraduate and graduate education for nearly 150,000
students, according to its website. COPHE’s primary mission is to support and advance
the mission of the state-supported universities, while increasing the understanding
and appreciation of public higher education by state leaders and the public at-large.
Wagner said COPHE represents the interests of Missouri’s public universities in a
variety of forms, including reaching out to the General Assembly, the state’s governor,
the general public and other entities on matters related to higher education. It enables
institutions to work on behalf of students to “find common ground and speak with one
voice in the public policy process.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as COPHE’s chair,” Ambrose said. “Our member
institutions face similar issues, with the greatest challenge being how can we best
serve our students? We must work together to build consensus and ensure our voice
is heard in the General Assembly and among others who can make a difference in higher
education. I look forward to seeking out opportunities together.”
He added, “Clif Smart, president of Missouri State University, has provided COPHE
great leadership, and we will rely on each of our member’s collective voice to advocate
for our students.”
Ambrose became UCM’s 15th president on Aug. 1, 2010. A career educator who is a fervent
advocate of servant leadership and engaged learning, he is committed to promoting
academic quality, excellence in teaching, and the collegiate experience. Throughout
his tenure at UCM, he has been committed to making education more accessible and affordable
for students, while also seeking out education, business and community partnerships
that will allow students to accelerate their degrees and graduate with less debt.
