By Jeff Murphy,
August 28, 2020
WARRENSBURG, MO – University of Central Missouri President Roger J. Best on Aug. 27
presented his third State of the University address since assuming his post. He delivered
his speech via live steaming video while speaking from a podium at the recently completed
auditorium in the renovated Elliott Student Union. His speech followed a video that
highlighted scenes from the fall student move-in, the Kickoff Experience, and Week
of Welcome.
"As I've said to you before, I believe one of our comparative advantages is how we
welcome and treat our students. Each year, so many of you volunteer to create this
atmosphere for our newest students," Best said. "Besides our move-in volunteers, staff
from Housing, Student Activities, Meetings and Conference Services, and so many others
create an engaged environment which starts our students on the right track. Thank
you for making UCM 'home' for our students!"
As he has done in his first two State of the University addresses, Best provided a
look back at the last year, including updating the campus community on the priorities
that were identified during that academic year.
"We must look beyond the short-term and consider our work in future years to ensure
we prepare this year for what comes next," he said.
Best's remarks included 13 major initiatives which he had shared at a general faculty
meeting in February that would require considerable effort over the subsequent 18
months. He updated the campus community on work accomplished related to these initiatives,
and he also outlined 2020-2021 priorities: Budget Planning, COVID-19 Response, Inclusion
and Diversity.
Best's presentation included a video highlighting many positive accomplishments made
by UCM's faculty, staff and students in what he called a "great year, in spite of
COVID-19."
