UCM Board of Governors approves new programs, advances campus projects

UCM Board of Governors President John Collier, left, and University President Roger Best conferred governor emeritus status on outgoing Student Governor Hadley Oden during the December 2025 plenary session.

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Board of Governors met Dec. 11, 2025, and approved new academic programs, advanced key campus projects and announced the formal launch of the public phase of the university’s comprehensive campaign.

 

The board approved several new degrees and certificates designed to strengthen student pathways into high-demand fields, including business, analytics, aviation, and applied sciences. The actions reflect continued emphasis on workforce alignment, academic flexibility and student opportunity.

 

In facilities and operations matters, the board approved a series of capital and technology projects supporting campus modernization. These included improvements at Mitchell Street Farm, kitchen equipment upgrades at Todd Dining Hall and the Elliott Student Union, networking infrastructure for the Humphreys Building, the purchase of an aircraft for the Aviation program, and a contract for AI-assisted student recruitment software.

The board also approved the university’s comprehensive campaign. The campaign focuses on expanding scholarships, enhancing academic programs, supporting student success and strengthening long-term philanthropic engagement.

 

Course fee additions, revisions and deletions recommended by the Finance and Administration Committee were approved as part of the board’s action agenda.

 

The board received the annual external audit report from Forvis Mazars and accepted its findings.

 

The board approved emeritus status for retiring faculty and staff in recognition of their service to the university. Those honored include Thomas Sturtevant, system coordinator, who served from 2005 to 2025; Traci Butler, administrative assistant, who served from 2003 to 2025; Vanesa Chappell, library assistant, who served from 2002 to 2025; Miriam Fuller, Ph.D., professor, who served from 1997 to 2025; Douglas Heath, system coordinator, who served from 2008 to 2025; Julie Hentges, Ph.D., professor, who served from 2008 to 2025; Qingxiong Ma, Ph.D., professor, who served from 2003 to 2025; and David McCormack, Technology Support Center manager, who served from 2000 to 2025.

The board also granted governor emeritus status to outgoing Student Governor Hadley Oden.

 

President Roger Best provided a university update, and Executive Director for Governmental Relations David Pearce shared a legislative briefing.

 

For more information, visit UCMO.edu.