Dear Colleagues:

It is with deep sadness that I inform you that Connie Ikerd, Communication Disorders Department and Clinic Secretary, passed away on Thursday.  Connie has been a valued member of the Truman community since 1973, dedicating 53 years to this institution and our students.  She was a treasured colleague and dear friend to so many, and she will be deeply missed.  Our condolences go to Connie’s family and to all who had the joy of knowing her.

As funeral arrangements are pending, we will inform the campus community when more information becomes available.

Kind regards,
Sue

Greetings Colleagues!

I hope you had a chance this summer to relax, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories.  Thanks to everyone who was here this summer for your hard work, and welcome back to those who were able to take some time away.

With the new academic year just around the corner, we are excited to welcome new students, faculty, and staff to campus and to reconnect with returning students and members of the University community.  It is going to be a great year!

We will hold the Fall Opening Assembly on Wednesday, August 12, at 1:00 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.  The always enjoyable Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon will be held on Friday, August 14, at noon in the Georgian Rooms of the Student Union.  Additionally, the Truman community is encouraged to bring their families to kick off the new academic year with our students at New Year’s Rockin’ Eve at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 16.  This lively, family-oriented event will feature a photo booth with Spike, balloon models, lawn games, party hats, noisemakers, music, drinks (including mocktails), and snacks.  Everyone is invited to join the countdown to the new year at 8:30 p.m.  There are several other great opportunities during Truman Week and Welcome Week to interact informally with our students and show them how happy we are that they are here.  Volunteers may sign up here.  Thanks in advance for helping us in this fun and impactful way.  The students’ excitement is contagious, and it will be well worth your time.

I am also pleased to report on the Board of Governors meeting held this past weekend, led by Board Chair Bill Lovegreen.  Kerrion Dean, Chair of Staff Council and Assistant Director of Student Programming in the Office of Community Enrichment, presented the annual Staff Council Report.  During the President’s report, I provided updates on three administrative searches.  Dr. Robert Yawson assumed the position of Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies on July 27.  Dr. Scott Schneider has accepted the role of Vice President for Administration and Finance/Chief Operating Officer, effective August 24, and Dr. David Brooking will begin his role as Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategy on August 11.  In addition, I shared that for the first time in Truman’s history, the Truman State University Foundation has exceeded $100 million in assets, an exciting milestone made possible by generations of generous donors and careful stewardship.  The majority of these assets are invested to support the University’s long-term stability and future priorities, and the Foundation Board and Advancement team look forward to celebrating this achievement with the campus community during Homecoming.  During their committee meetings and working session, the Board received updates on the status of Missouri’s higher education funding formula, financial reports, construction projects, and the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center.  They also began work on the upcoming presidential search process, and updates will be shared as they become available.

During the meeting, the Board also approved the following action items:

Faculty Early Retirement Incentive Program 2028.  The Board approved a one-time faculty early retirement incentive program with a separation/retirement date no later than May 31, 2028.  Eligible for the program are all full-time employees holding faculty rank who are currently employed at Truman, have at least five years of service at the University, and meet one of the following conditions by May 31, 2028:  1) MOSERS Participant (MOSERS Retirement Eligible on or before June 1, 2028); and 2) CURP Participant (Age plus years of service must equal 70 on or before June 1, 2028).  The program is not available to employees who have previously retired under the MOSERS and CURP retirement systems or have already committed their written intent to retire or resign from the University.  The program is limited to thirty-five (35) participants.  It provides a cash incentive payment of $30,000, payable as a lump sum in the employee’s final check from the University.  The enrollment period runs from August 31 through October 12, 2026.  The Human Resources Office will distribute additional information and instructions on how to apply.

State Appropriations Request for Fiscal Year 2027
This request, submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development and the State Office of Administration, requests funding to support the Education and General Budget.  The FY2026 requests include a funding increase linked to inflationary costs, maintenance and repairs funds, operational funds for the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center, and an internship pipeline program.  Although it is not anticipated that funding will be available for these initiatives, the submission allows for the opportunity if state funding becomes available.

Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2027
These budgets, reviewed and approved annually to provide funding for major building and renovation projects, support institutional priorities identified in Truman’s Strategic Plan and the Campus Master Plan.  Capital projects are designed and bid, and approval by the Board will be obtained for each project following established procedures.

A copy of the open-session agenda from the meeting is available on the Board of Governors Agendas website.  The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board is on Friday, October 23, in conjunction with Homecoming activities.

Enjoy your last days of summer.  I look forward to seeing you at the new academic year kickoff events!

Best regards,
Sue

Please click on the links below.

—Sue’s Message to the Truman Community
—Board’s Message to the Truman Community
—University News Release 

 

 

Dear Colleagues:

Truman’s Board of Governors held its annual June meeting on Saturday.  Before the meeting, the Board held committee meetings and a working session, and the Department of Art and Design, led by Aaron Neeley, Associate Professor of Art and Chair of the Department, provided a wonderful and insightful tour.

Governor Bill Lovegreen, Board Chair, officially welcomed Doug Villhard, appointed as an out-of-state Board member on April 23, to fill the expired term of David Bonner.

Resolutions of commendation were approved for three very impressive members of the Truman Forensics Union who earned national championships at the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament, held March 18-22.  Briggs Maynor, a May 2026 graduate majoring in chemistry from Kansas City, Missouri, earned two national championships, one in Poetry Interpretation and another in Duo Interpretation with his partner, Jessie Philips, a May 2026 graduate from Raymore, Missouri, who majored in political science.  Lauren Weiss, a sophomore majoring in biology from Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was named national champion in persuasive speaking.  Jessie attended Saturday’s meeting to receive recognition.  Lauren will be recognized at the Board’s October meeting, and Briggs will be recognized in absentia.

Other items approved by the Board include:

Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2027:  The operating budgets for FY2027 were developed using state funding based on a recommendation of level funding made by the Governor for FY2027 appropriations.  The Governor has until June 30 to sign the FY2027 appropriation bill.

Academic Promotion Salary Policy for the 2026-27 Academic Year:  Faculty members promoted in rank for the 2026-27 AY (excluding those whose 2026-27 AY salaries have been established by separate agreements) will receive the following salary increases:  Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, $3,800; Associate Professor to Professor, $7,500.

Addition of Master of Science in Data Science:  The Board approved adding a new graduate program, pending approval from the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE).  The new Master of Science in Data Science (DS) degree program is distinct from the existing MS in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling (DSAS).  DSAS is an online program that places substantial emphasis on communicating analytical results, with a reduced focus on the technical aspects of data science.  The DS program will be offered in person and will emphasize the technical aspects of the discipline, with a reduced focus on communication.  Many data science and statistics courses appropriately count toward completion of either the new DS program or the existing DSAS program, given the content overlap between the two programs.  Students may not earn both master’s degrees.

Inactivation of the Master of Athletic Training:  The Board also approved the inactivation of the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) graduate program, pending CBHE approval.  In 2025, an internal review of the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree was conducted to assess the program’s continued viability.  The review concluded that discontinuing the program was warranted so that the resources currently being expended on it could be reinvested.  Upon the recommendation of the Chair of Exercise Science,  the Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies, the Provost, and the Graduate Council, the Faculty Senate voted at its April 23 meeting to inactivate the program.  With the Board’s approval, the program would move to inactive status while the remaining students complete their degrees.  No new students would be admitted to the program.  Once all students have completed the program, the program will be up for deletion.

Purchase of Equipment – Nursing Department Manikins:  The Board approved the purchase of new medical training manikins to enhance instruction in prenatal, postpartum, labor, delivery, and newborn care.  Funds for the purchase will come from the Nursing Foundation’s restricted fund, following a generous donation by an alumna.

Architectural and Campus Planning Services:  A proposal from Building Resource Studio, LLP was approved to provide campus planning services.  The University has been without a full-time campus planner for the past fiscal year, following the untimely passing of the previous campus planners and two unsuccessful employment searches.  While other University staff have temporarily supported campus planning functions during this period, these services will provide a formal, long-term solution.

State Capital Improvement and Maintenance Request for Fiscal Year 2028:  The approved FY2027 request includes requested funds for eight top priorities, including updates to Pickler Memorial Library, an emergency electrical backup system, power system infrastructure, and updates to McClain Hall, Violette Hall, Ophelia Parrish Fine Arts Center, Pershing/Health Sciences, and Magruder Hall.  Capital funds requests are submitted to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the Division of Design and Construction, Office of Administration.  The request outlines priorities for the next five years, with a focus on the repair and renovation of existing facilities.

Faculty Promotions and Academic Tenure:  During the closed session, the Board reviewed recommendations for promotion and tenure, effective for the 2026-27 Academic Year.  Please join me in congratulating these dedicated and talented faculty members and thanking them for all they do for our students and the University.  Bob Johnson, Agricultural Science, was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and granted academic tenure.  Faculty promoted from Associate Professor to Professor include José Carreño Medina, Spanish; Meg Edwards, Political Science; Tim Humphry, Chemistry; Victor Marquez-Barrios, Music; Amanda Medlock-Klyukovski, Communication; Sarah Mohler, English; Curren Prendergast, Music; Jocelyn Stevens, Music; Amy Teten, Communication Disorders; and Karl Witt, Education.

In addition to the above action items, GibbonsWorkman LLC, the University’s State Governmental Relations Service Consultant, provided its annual report.  Chad Mohler, Faculty Senate President, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, and Chair of the Department of Social Science and Human Inquiry, presented the annual Faculty Senate report.  I offered a President’s Report covering the status of senior administrator searches, the partial funding of Representative Graves’ appropriation request for the emergency electrical backup project, the status of the Missouri legislature’s requested higher education funding formula, and the record enrollment at the Joseph Baldwin Academy.  The Board also heard reports from its three committees, reviewed enrollment and financial reports, and reviewed the status of previously approved construction projects.

The open session agenda is available on the Board of Governors Agendas website.  The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 1.

It is hard to believe we are already at mid-June.  I hope your summer has started well and is full of enjoyable activities and adventures!

All the best,
Sue

Hello Truman Community!

I am very happy to report that it was the decision of the conference committee for HB 2003 (the bill to fund higher education) to go with the Senate position of flat core funding for public higher education institutions.  That means flat core funding for public higher education institutions is what will be included in the General Assembly budget that is sent to the Governor by May 8.  Flat core funding is what the Governor recommended.  The Governor has until June 30 to sign the budget.

Truman is enormously appreciative of the conference committee’s decision and the fantastic support of Senators O’Laughlin and Nurrenbern, as well as many other members of the legislature who backed our efforts.

The conference committee also added language to the bill that directs the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) to

…develop and submit an objective, formula-driven funding model for the allocation of state appropriations to public institutions of higher education… and shall establish a transparent methodology for distributing such funds… The department shall consult with public institutions of higher education, the coordinating board for higher education, members of the general assembly, and other relevant stakeholders in the development of the funding model(s). No later than December 1, 2026, the department shall submit a report to the Governor, the Senate, and the House of Representatives detailing: The proposed funding formula, and simulated institutional funding allocations based on fiscal year 2027 appropriations.

Truman has already been in multiple discussions with DHEWD about what is important in a funding formula, and we have a representative on a select DHEWD committee that is examining components of a formula.

I am deeply grateful for all the support Truman has received and for all the ways people shared with the legislature what an impressive and invaluable institution we are.  Thank you for making Truman the amazing institution it is!

Wishing you a successful and joyful end to the semester,
Sue

Dear Truman Community:

I am happy to report that the Missouri Senate approved the recommendation of the Senate Appropriations Committee to reverse the FTE funding formula approach in the House budget and return to the Governor’s recommendation of flat funding across all public higher education institutions.  I am enormously appreciative of the support Senators O’Laughlin and Nurrenbern expressed for Truman on the Senate floor during discussion of the budget bill.

The next step in the process will be a conference with selected members of the House and Senate negotiating the difference between their versions of higher education funding.  It is important to note that the conference does not just split the difference between the two plans.  For example, last year, the Governor recommended a 1.5% increase in core appropriations for higher education; the House budget provided a 0% increase; the Senate budget provided a 3% increase; and a 3% increase emerged from the conference committee.  The Legislature must submit its budget to the Governor by May 8.  We are now targeting our efforts on the conference committee supporting the Senate’s position of flat funding.  I will continue to keep you updated.

The finish line is coming for not only the budget process, but also for the semester.  Keep up your great work and be sure to take time to celebrate each other and everything you have accomplished this year!

All the best,
Sue

Dear Campus Community:

It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. Tim Walston has accepted my invitation to serve as our Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (EVPAAP) beginning May 1.  Tim has made significant contributions to our University, most recently as the Interim EVPAAP and the Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics.  His impressive skill set and expertise, coupled with his passion for Truman and our mission, provide a strong foundation to help guide Academic Affairs and Truman as we navigate these simultaneously challenging and exciting times.

After learning of his selection, Tim shared:  “It is an honor to be selected to serve as the next Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and to lead our outstanding faculty as they provide a truly amazing education to our students.  The end of this academic year will mark my 20th year at Truman.  I feel strongly about this institution and its mission as the state of Missouri’s premier public liberal arts and sciences institution.  I look forward to working with our campus to continue excelling at meeting that mission.”

I am deeply grateful for the thoughtful and engaged work of the EVPAAP Search Advisory Committee and to everyone who participated in the search process and shared their thoughts.  Your perspectives were invaluable.

Please join me in congratulating Tim and wishing him the very best in his new role.  I look forward to his leadership of Academic Affairs and to the great work we will do together.

Wishing you a fantastic end to the semester!
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

This past weekend, Truman’s Board of Governors held its annual April meeting, which coincided with meetings of the Foundation and the Alumni Board of Directors, as well as the Foundation’s annual recognition celebration.

During the Foundation celebration, we recognized those whose extraordinary generosity has earned them a place among Truman’s most distinguished recognition societies, including our newest society, Tried and True, which honors donors for consecutive years of giving.  The President’s Leadership Award, one of the University’s most prestigious honors, was presented to Jennifer Austin.  Jennifer earned two accounting degrees from Truman and has been a longstanding supporter of the University’s accounting program and the School of Business and Professional Studies, contributing to scholarships, student initiatives, and faculty development.  Attendees also had the pleasure of interacting with many of our amazing students.  Jack Blackburn, a senior music major, thrilled the audience with a fantastic vocal performance.  Aiden Wahrenbrock, a junior double major in accounting and business, shared a great testimonial detailing how his foundation scholarship has allowed him to make the most of his education at Truman.  A terrific jazz combo composed of Lyrick Baker (senior music emphasis groups major), Kayla Marker (senior English major), and Everett Scott (junior music major) entertained at the pre- and post-ceremony receptions.  Our alumni and friends had a wonderful time, and I extend my congratulations and great appreciation to everyone involved, especially the Advancement Office and Sodexo.

The Board of Governors meeting, held Saturday afternoon, was led by Chair Bill Lovegreen.  Governor Lovegreen welcomed new Board members Matt Gildehaus and Alan Hillier.  Governors Gildehaus and Hillier were appointed in early March to fill the expired terms of Brooks Miller and Sarah Burkemper.  Governor Lovegreen also noted that Governors Nancy Gingrich and Adli Jacobs, whose terms had expired, were reappointed to the Board.  Governor Lovegreen also presented Governor Phil Christofferson with a framed gavel in recognition of his service as the 2025 Board Chair.

Jackie Jackson, Vice President for University Advancement, Calaneet Balas, President of the Foundation Board of Directors, and Dustin Carmack, President of the Alumni Board of Directors, shared updates from Advancement and their respective boards.  In the President’s Report, I provided a legislative update and updates on several on-campus searches.   The Board also reviewed financial reports and received status updates on construction projects.

The Board approved several action items:
–A resolution of appreciation for Sarah Burkemper, who served on the Board from March 2012 through March 2026
–University treasurers for Fiscal Year 2027
–Equity Bank as the primary depository of the University’s operating funds for FY27 and FY28
–Ophelia Parrish Exterior Stairs Project to replace the stairs outside the performance hall, which have deteriorated over many years of use and inclement weather
–Elevator Repair Project to improve the performance, reliability, accessibility, and efficiency of elevators in Baldwin Hall, Ophelia Parrish,  Picker Memorial Library, and Pershing Building
–Magruder Hall Transformer Replacement Project to replace the primary component, which has reached the end of its service life, that transfers electricity from Ameren’s main circuit to multiple circuits within Magruder Hall
–Expand marketing services with Enliven Agency for FY27, which includes increased brand marketing to enhance visibility and institutional awareness of Truman and saturation marketing to increase concentrated presence in priority geographic markets.  The expansion will be implemented through a two-phase, tiered approach to support near-term enrollment and long-term demand.
–Enrollment fees for the 2026-27 Academic Year.  To offset cost increases that state appropriations will not cover, tuition for full-time Missouri undergraduates carrying 15 semester hours will increase by $26 per credit hour, or $390 per semester.  This increase will place Truman in the middle of the public four-year institutions for tuition costs and all required fees.  The cost per credit hour for graduate programs will increase by $44.

The agenda for the open session is available on the Board of Governors’ website.  The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 13.

It is hard to believe the semester is almost over.  My deep appreciation to all of you for your hard work and dedication to our students and our campus community.  Wishing you a fantastic end to the semester!

Sue

Dear Truman Community:

I want to update you on the status of the higher education FTE funding formula proposed by House Budget Chair Deaton.  The House of Representatives barely advanced its version of the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, containing the FTE funding formula.  The House version now moves on to the Senate, where it has already been met with strong bipartisan opposition and weak support.

One of Truman’s biggest supporters is our Senator, Cindy O’Laughlin, who also serves as President Pro Tempore.  She shared a message of support last week, noting that Truman prepares exactly the kind of graduates we need at this time.  Senator O’Laughlin has been a staunch advocate for Truman, and we are very grateful to have her support in the Capitol.

For weeks, I and our lobbyists in Jefferson City have been meeting with members of House and Senate leadership, members of the House Budget Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Governor’s Office to provide a clear understanding of who Truman is, what we do, and our impressive accomplishments; why our funding is the way it is; and our support for a funding formula that contains relevant outcome measures and works for all Missouri public colleges and universities.  Through our efforts and those of our higher education colleagues, including the University of Missouri, other four-year universities, and the community colleges, we are making great strides in our advocacy.

The next step in the budget process is for the House Budget bills to be assigned to the Senate Appropriations Committee.  While there are no guarantees, the FTE funding formula is not expected to be included in the Senate version of the state budget, so there is no expectation that Truman will lose 53% of our funding.

I am so appreciative of all the people who have expressed support for Truman.  We have an amazing extended Bulldog family.  I will keep you updated, and you can check out the FAQs added to the website.  I expect to have positive news to share in the coming weeks.

With great Truman pride,
Sue

Dear Truman Community:

On March 9, several media outlets reported on a proposed change to the higher education funding model in Missouri.  Specifically, the proposal calls for a change to a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) based funding model.  This model ignores our state-designated liberal arts and sciences mission and would lead to a significant reduction in Truman’s state appropriation.

The proposed change has already been met with bipartisan opposition and is very unlikely to become a reality.  The 12 community colleges in the state have voiced opposition, as have multiple other four-year institutions, including Truman and the University of Missouri.  It is important to note that the proposed change was made by the chair of the House Budget Committee.  This is the first step in a long legislative budget process.

I, and our government relations team, have worked with members in the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives in advocating for the University and helping others in the Legislature to fully understand Truman’s unique mission, funding, and unparalleled success for more than 40 years.  To learn more about the Missouri budget process, what we have shared with the Legislature about Truman’s mission, funding, and impact, as well as videos about the power of a liberal arts education, please click here.

Because of the work all of you do, Truman is exactly the type of institution the citizens of Missouri expect to support with their tax dollars.  I will make sure that message is loud and clear, and I will keep you updated.

With Great Truman Pride,
Sue