Statement from university leaders to set the record straight: Response to the New York Times story

University of Missouri System

July 11, 2017
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On Monday, July 10, The New York Times attempted to summarize the challenges and opportunities facing the University of Missouri in the wake of protests and subsequent institutional changes during the past two years. While the university facilitated interviews with several leaders and provided detailed background information to the reporter, key aspects of our story were omitted.  We are writing to set the record straight. 

During the events of fall of 2015 classes were held. Staff and faculty members went to work. The education, research and business of the university continued.

We are learning from our past while serving as a model for a new engaged university to the nation. That’s not the story you read on Monday, but it’s one you will hear often from the Missouri family. Their tremendous pride in University of Missouri motivates and sustains us to take on the difficult challenges head-on and to become a stronger and more resilient university. Consider these accomplishments:

Safe Campus Ranking: One recent recognition of our progress is the University of Missouri being ranked No. 6 on a list of 50 U.S. colleges and universities with the best safety resources in a new report released by CollegeStats.org. The safety of our students is a primary concern.

Best Buy: Just today, the University of Missouri was recognized as a “Best Buy” university in the 2018 Fiske Guide to Colleges. We were one of only 20 public universities included in the guide.  In 2016, University of Missouri provided more than $476M in financial aid. 

Good Stewards: Recent high ratings from Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s keep Mizzou among an elite group of institutions.

Economic Development: The University of Missouri serves as an engine for economic and workforce development. It is estimated that Mizzou contributes more than $3.5B in economic benefit through its research, education and outreach programs. The University ...

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