The Missouri 100 to promote UM system

A committee of community leaders will advise the UM system president.

By Michelle Hagopian

Published Oct. 19, 2007

The Missouri 100, an advisory committee created by UM system interim President Gordon Lamb, will help the president promote the university and facilitate a dialogue with Missourians, said Don Walsworth, UM system Board of Curators

chairman.

The Missouri 100, which was founded over the summer, comprises 100 prominent Missouri

citizens.

The committee will act as an advisory board to aid the president in statewide issues that affect the system.

It will hold its first meeting in November, according to a UM system news release.

"The Missouri 100 is made up of community leaders from across the state, including some previous curators," said Tony Luetkemeyer, student representative to the Board of Curators.

Lamb personally invited a variety of members, including distinguished alumni from the UM system campuses and several leaders in different fields.

They represent fields including health care, agriculture, technology, law, business, communication and public service, UM system spokesman Scott Charton said.

"The committee is composed of proven leaders from many walks of life who believe that the key to future prosperity and quality of life for Missouri's people rests in a strong university with roots in the land-grant tradition," Charton said.

The news release stated membership is expected to grow in phases until it reaches the desired number.

Each member of the committee is expected to make or raise a tax-deductible, charitable contribution of at least $1,000.

The funds are collected and used to support any activities The Missouri 100 decide are consistent with the goals of the university, Charton said.

Charton said Lamb will meet with members of the committee this year during his tour of the state.

"The president will meet and confer with members during travels around the state," Charton said. "Leadership will be provided by the president and three Missouri 100 co-chairs appointed by the president from the state-wide

membership."

The group will work together with the president to improve public higher education and specifically to promote the role the UM system plays in the state.

"The Missouri 100 will be a resource for gathering advice and council from across Missouri," Walsworth said at a board meeting earlier this month.

Excellence in teaching, world-class research, economic growth and service to all citizens are among the university's goals the committee hopes to promote, Lamb said in the news release.

"The university has statewide missions through our four campuses, extension and UM Health Care," he stated. "The Missouri 100 will advise and support the president in nurturing and building on these strengths and will provide for the president a wonderful statewide sounding board for new ideas."

Walsworth said The Missouri 100 will also act as a mediator between the people of Missouri and officials at the university.

"This group of leaders will help facilitate a two-way conversation with Missourians who influence decision-makers critical to the university," Walsworth said.

In addition to promoting the university system in the state, The Missouri 100 seeks to increase the university's reputation around the world.

"Members of The Missouri 100 share the conviction that we must actively support our state's only public-research university if Missouri is to be competitive in the world's new information-based economy," Charton said.

Lamb's decision to create such a committee has earned support on the university's governing board.

Walsworth commended Lamb for his efforts at the Board of Curators meeting held Oct. 5.

"I think it's a great idea, because it helps the president stay in touch with public perception about the university and aids him in promoting the University's message," Luetkemeyer said.

The first meeting date for The Missouri 100 has not yet been released.