Guest Column: The Chancellor's welcome
Published Aug. 24, 2010
To MU Students:
Welcome to Mizzou! On behalf of the entire MU family, I am pleased to welcome you to Missouri's flagship campus, a land-grant and major public research university and home of the Tigers. We are thrilled that you are here to learn as a student, to grow as a citizen and to be a part of MU's many accomplishments and successes. Once again we are enjoying record-breaking numbers of students who are among the most impressive in the state, the nation and the world.
For those of you new to Mizzou, you will soon discover the many ways in which you benefit from the Mizzou experience. Additionally, we are nationally known for our campus-writing program and for our learning communities. We urge you to search out these opportunities!
You have become part of a rich tradition, where our aim is focused on providing the best education available to both undergraduate and graduate students that will enable you to compete with graduates from any institution of higher education in this country. We aspire to provide a one-of-a kind education in which our Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) and our Honors College provide a small-college atmosphere within a major research university enriched by its diverse student body and faculty. Each year more than 1000 students earn academic credit for their study abroad as they learn about the social and political forces shaping our world. Last year, our service-learning program provided 2800 undergraduates volunteer opportunities to help improve the health and social conditions of our community and state.
The National Science Foundation recognizes MU as one of the top 10 universities in the country for undergraduate research opportunities. That means our faculty are dedicated to your success. So, while attending MU, please avail yourselves of these many varied, rewarding and enriching experiences.
To MU's returning students, I welcome you back with great enthusiasm. You are already aware of the rich experiences Mizzou has to offer and the awesome opportunities that lie ahead. Based on your experiences and interests, you are encouraged to seek leadership opportunities to serve others. I trust you will continue to enjoy your time here, continue to learn and grow as community-minded citizens reflecting inclusiveness and civility in the campus culture. We are proud that you have made MU your higher education home.
With best wishes for a great Mizzou year,
Brady J. Deaton, Chancellor