Highlights already this year
July 1 - November 1, 2006

Missouri State University System sets new official enrollment record

The University set a record with a total of 20,962 students officially enrolled in the Missouri State System in fall 2006, an increase from last year's total of 20,741. The total includes 19,464 students on the Springfield Campus and 1,596 on the West Plains Campus. Some 98 students are enrolled on both campuses; these students were only counted once in the system total. The freshman class is the second largest since Missouri State began implementing higher admission standards in 1995. One of the reasons is the greater number of out-of-state freshmen - more than 260 this year compared to fewer than 180 last year. Overall, the University received a record number of applications from first-time freshmen. Missouri State remains the second largest university in the state. Enrollment at Missouri State University-West Plains is down from 1,678 last year, a 4.9 percent decrease. On the Springfield Campus the total enrollment is up 299 students (1.6 percent) from last year. The enrollment of students from other countries is 609, up 48 (8.6 percent). This total includes 58 students enrolled in the business completion program in China, up from 48 last year. Enrollment of minority students (African American, Asian American, Hispanic and Native American combined) is 1,207, up 75 (6.6 percent). Enrollment of graduate students increased to 3,043 from 2,840 in 2005 (7.1 percent).

Missouri State and the University of Missouri sign agreement

Plans to offer two engineering degrees from the University of Missouri-Rolla on the Missouri State University campus in Springfield advanced with the signing of an agreement that outlines how the two universities will work together to deliver the programs. Leaders from UMR, Missouri State and the University of Missouri signed an agreement which would allow UMR to offer bachelor's degrees in civil and electrical engineering at Missouri State. The plan calls for UMR and Missouri State to collaborate on developing the programs. The agreement also notes that state funding will be needed to support the program on an ongoing basis.

Blunt secures $10.5 million for Jordan Valley Innovation Center

Research Congress gave final approval to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5631), which contains $10.5 million in funding for Springfield's Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) Phase II expansion and two major research projects sought by Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt. The funding includes $2.6 million for the start of Phase II development of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, now under construction and scheduled to be put into use in April 2007.

Faculty recognized by National Academic Advising Association

The National Academic Advising Association honored three Missouri State University faculty and staff members at the annual NACADA National Conference in October. Dr. George E. Connor, associate professor of political science, received the Outstanding Advising Award in the Faculty Academic Advising category; Deborah Goodale, academic advisor/retention specialist, received the Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit in the Academic Advising - Primary Role category; and Amy Marie Aufdembrink, academic advisor, has been selected to receive the Outstanding New Advisor award in the Academic Advising - Primary Role category. Aufdembrink is the only academic advisor who will receive this award in this category nationwide.

New academic programs approved

Six new academic programs were approved by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education this year - three at the master's level and three undergraduate. The programs included: an M.S. in Criminology, an M.S. in Project Management, an M.S. in Student Affairs, a B.S. in Global Studies, a B.S. in Entrepreneurship, and a B.S. in Emerging Technologies. The master's program in Project Management will meet a high demand area that is not served in Missouri with this degree emphasis, and the master's degree in Criminology will be a unique focus in southwest Missouri - focusing on criminal justice program evaluation.

Ingram Endowed Scholarship established

Graduates of Parkview High School in Springfield will benefit from a new endowed scholarship fund established at Missouri State University by Michael and Barbara Ingram. The Ingram Endowed Scholarship will be available to at least six students annually, beginning with the fall semester 2007. This brings to 10 the number of new endowed scholarship funds, totaling nearly $2 million, that have been created since July 1, 2005.

Prime, Inc. makes gift commitment for JQH Arena

The club in the new JQH Arena now has a name: Prime Overtime. Prime, Inc., owned and operated by Robert and Lawana Low with headquarters in Springfield, has made a $1 million gift commitment to the new $67 million JQH Arena at Missouri State University. In recognition of the gift, the 4,500-square-foot club in the Arena will be named Prime Overtime in honor of Prime, North America's largest truckload refrigerated trucking company. Memberships will be sold to the club, which will be located at the east end of the Arena. The club will have a view of the playing floor and access to private seating from the club itself.

Missouri State celebrates first birthday

Missouri State University hosted a birthday bash Aug. 28 - complete with cake - in commemoration of its first year under a new name. The night of celebration and games began with a free "Bear B-Q" and a performance by the Missouri State marching band, the Sugar Bears and the cheerleading squad. President Michael T. Nietzel addressed the crowd and recognized the oldest retired faculty member, Dr. Ivan Calton, emeritus professor of finance and general business, who was employed by the University from 1945-79. J.T. Woodruff III, the grandson of one of Missouri State's founding fathers, also was recognized.

University recognized for Katrina relief efforts

Missouri State University was named to the first U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll "With Distinction for Hurricane Relieve Service." The recognition was for "distinguished community service in recognition of extraordinary volunteer efforts by the school and its students to serve area neighborhoods and Gulf Coast communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina." Of 500 schools named to the President's Honor Roll at the Campus Compact's 20th Anniversary meeting, only 141 were recognized in this way. During Spring Break 2006, more than 100 student volunteers traveled by bus to New Orleans and spent March 18-25 cleaning up debris left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Highlights from Fiscal Year 2006
July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006

New era begins

A new era under a new name began with a Midnight Madness celebration Aug. 27, 2005, on the North Mall area of campus. Festivities began with the unveiling of "Missouri State University" on the Legacy Wall east of Plaster Student Union and a Presidential Welcome Concert. A countdown to the name change began at 11:55 p.m., culminating with fireworks at midnight Aug. 28, the official date for the new name to take effect. Baker Bookstore opened to sell official Missouri State University Bear Wear for the first time.

Ninth university president takes the helm

Dr. Michael T. Nietzel began his tenure as Missouri State University's ninth president July 1, 2005. According to Mike Franks, Missouri State University Board of Governors president, it was a "tremendous first year." During his first year Nietzel helped move the University toward a performance-based compensation system; made difficult, but necessary, recommendations on the scope, cost and priority of University programs, including University College and intercollegiate athletics; successfully implemented the provost model; began to address the important area of diversity; and enhanced outreach with alumni and donors.

Higher Learning Commission grants full 10-year accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) granted Missouri State University full 10-year accreditation "with no conditions, stipulations or reports." The official notification of accreditation followed a comprehensive self-study and evaluation visit to Missouri State by an HLC team. The evaluation team noted that: "Missouri State University has demonstrated that it meets all the criteria for accreditation as established by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. As an institution of higher learning in the State of Missouri, Missouri State is well positioned to continue to meet its educational obligations and other distinctive goals encompassed by its mission."

Missouri State University Foundation receives record gift total

The Founders Club celebrated its Silver Anniversary with an announcement of a record-breaking gift total. During the year, the Missouri State University Foundation received $11.8 million in gifts for the fiscal year - surpassing by a considerable margin 2004's record total of $9.2 million. John Q. Hammons' $30 million gift commitment for the $67 million JQH Arena is not reflected in this total. In September 2005, $4.65 million in gifts were announced, with $4.4 million directed to boost the Missouri State Foundation's endowment. Through the new endowments, Missouri State added two endowed chairs ($1 million each) and four endowed professorships ($250,000 each). Also added were eight endowed scholarship funds totaling $1.4 million.

Missouri State breaks ground for high-tech research, manufacturing facility

Missouri State University will soon be home to a high-tech research and manufacturing facility in downtown Springfield. The Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) will occupy the former Missouri Farmers Association (MFA) milling facility, located at 524 N. Boonville Ave. Renovation of the milling facility was kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony Nov. 29, 2005. JVIC will focus on applied research in biomaterials, nano-technologies, advanced technologies, genomics/proteomics, bio-systems software engineering and bio-medical instrument development. Phase I involves renovating two buildings on the site and is expected to be completed in April 2007.

Missouri State announces plans to build JQH Arena

Beginning in November of 2008, the Missouri State University Bears and Lady Bears will have a new home - JQH Arena. More than 11,000 seats, a grand entrance, 22 private suites, more than 100 loge seats, 55 "Jack Nicholson courtside seats," a Hall of Fame, a team souvenir store, a ticket office, and a 4,500-square-foot club are some of the features that will be included in the new Arena. JQH Arena, named in honor of Missouri State alumnus and Springfield, Mo.-based hotel developer John Q. Hammons, will be built on the parking lot just east of Hammons Student Center, with a connecting corridor between the facilities. Groundbreaking for the project was scheduled for December 2006, with the completion target date of November 2008 in time for the 2008-09 basketball season. The proposed design will cost $67 million with Hammons agreeing to add $5 million to his original gift commitment, making it a total of $30 million, the largest in Missouri State history. An additional $5 million will come from other private gifts.

Graduate Student Presentation Forum a success

In April 2006, Missouri State's Graduate College and Graduate Student Association hosted the 13th annual Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Presentation Forum. This public presentation forum included oral and poster presentations by 115 Missouri State graduate students who highlighted the research they had conducted in the pursuit of their graduate degrees. A number of these students also presented their research at national and regional meetings.

Missouri State devises plan to help address rising prices

The Choice And Predictability In Tuition plan (CAP-IT) became available to undergraduate degree-seeking students in the fall of 2006. The key elements of CAP-IT are: year-by-year payment, pre-paid tuition, two-year fixed tuition and four-year graduation plans. CAP- IT also includes a financial aid component, with the goal of eventually increasing institutional need-based aid by at least $1 million. The University also will expand its markets by strategic use of out-of-state waivers and scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. During the first year of CAP-IT's implementation, 2,161 students chose the two-year fixed tuition plan and 38 students chose the tuition prepayment plan.

Dr. Belinda McCarthy named provost at Missouri State

Dr. Belinda McCarthy named provost at Missouri State Dr. Belinda McCarthy was named Missouri State University's provost. McCarthy, former dean of the College of Health and Public Affairs at the University of Central Florida, began her duties July 1, 2006. Missouri State had been developing the provost model since President Michael T. Nietzel arrived on July 1, 2005. The provost is the chief academic officer of the University, responsible for the oversight of all academic programs and a number of academic support programs.

Missouri State sponsors groundbreaking international symposium in St. Louis

Specialists from around the globe gathered at the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis for the world's first-ever International Grape Genomics Symposium. Missouri State was the primary sponsor of the three-day event, which brought together members of the grapevine genomics research community to share their latest research results and chart future directions. Other sponsors included Monsanto Company, Sigma Aldrich Corp., The Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise, The Missouri Grape and Wine Program, The Missouri Botanical Gardens and E&J Gallo Winery.

Missouri State University establishes Community and Social Issues Institute

The Missouri State University Board of Governors took another step toward advancing the institution's statewide public affairs mission by approving the establishment of the Community and Social Issues Institute (CSII). The mission of the CSII is to serve as a catalyst to organize and apply the research and service capacity of the University to assist public and private institutions as they address significant social issues facing the community. The institute has announced its first set of initiatives - the Greater Ozarks Leadership Development (GOLD) and Greater Ozarks Leadership Education and Development (GO LEAD) - two distinct education programs designed to enhance leadership skills across southwest Missouri.

Defense and strategic studies department relocates to nation's capital

Missouri State University's department of defense and strategic studies relocated to Fairfax, Va., in a move intended to strengthen the department and increase opportunities for students in the Washington, D.C., area. The new location facilitates student internships and program associations with political officials, defense industry businesses, and central military installations so prominent in this region. The department provides professional, graduate-level academic training for students planning careers in U.S. national security policy, defense analysis and related fields. It offers a Master of Science degree in defense and strategic studies which, as a general rule, takes two academic years to complete.

Board approves creation of new Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences

The Missouri State University Board of Governors voted to establish a new Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences (CBLS) to operate under the guidance of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center. The CBLS is designed to support Missouri-based life sciences and biomedical industries while enhancing educational and research opportunities through participation in business- oriented projects and services. The center will provide engineering and technical support and conduct cutting-edge research and development to advance the competitiveness of Missouri-based industries, as well as work closely with its government and industrial partners to develop technologies and processes that can impact personal and public safety.

Missouri State, New Mexico Tech sign teaming agreement

Missouri State University and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech) signed a teaming agreement that may lead to establishing a variety of science and technology programs of mutual interest, as well as several programs for the training of law enforcement and other first responder personnel. The agreement is considered a first step in establishing ongoing cooperation between the two institutions of higher learning in developing and expanding their mutual research, education and training interests; marketing each other's programs, facilities and capabilities; and identifying and obtaining funding resources, as appropriate.

USGS, Missouri State cooperate on environmental research

Missouri State University's Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute and the U.S. Geological Survey Mid-Continent Geographic Science Center formed a partnership to address environmental concerns in southwest Missouri. This agreement combines the unique capabilities and resources of the two organizations with a goal of identifying and offering solutions to regional environmental problems, with an emphasis on water quality in southwest Missouri.

Arts students from across the state attend academy

For the 10th year, Missouri State University hosted the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA), a threeweek residential program for approximately 200 of Missouri's artistically talented high school juniors and seniors. The academy provides selected students throughout the state an opportunity to enhance their abilities, explore the various roles the arts play in society and encounter the arts in an interdisciplinary forum. MFAA, which began in 1996, is funded by a grant each year appropriated by the Missouri State Legislature and is co-sponsored by the Missouri State College of Arts and Letters and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

East meets West on the Missouri State University campus

Missouri State University has become the 20th regional center of the Asian Studies Development Program (ASDP). Established in 1991 as a collaborative effort of the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii, ASDP's mission is to infuse Asian studies into the undergraduate curriculum through both faculty and institutional development initiatives. The program annually assists hundreds of American and Asian educators bridge the gap between East and West in the classroom.

Academics

Missouri State University-Springfield witnessed many changes in the academic arena over the past year. Among the changes were: the appointments of a provost and deans for the College of Arts and Letters and College of Natural and Applied Sciences; the creation of task forces on Missouri State University Futures and Public Health; and the reorganizations of University College, International Affairs, School of Agriculture, Ozarks Studies Institute, and the Assistant for Public Affairs and the Extended Campus.

• Missouri State University's master of public administration (MPA) program was granted reaccreditation by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The program met NASPAA standards and convinced NASPAA officials, through a visiting team of its peers and government practitioners, that the program is worthy of reaccreditation. The MPA program provides graduate-level training for leadership in public and nonprofit agencies. The program offers specializations in public management, local government planning and public policy.
• Students in Missouri State's health-related master's programs had 100 percent pass rates this past year for the nurse anesthesia, communication sciences and disorders, and physical therapy licensure exams. Since the inception of the programs the graduate programs in physician assistant studies and family nurse practitioner, the licensure pass rate for all students graduating has been 95 and 98 percent, respectively.
• Missouri State University continued its proactive efforts to promote personal and scholarly honesty with its fourth annual forum on academic integrity. The event follows the university's implementation of a modified honor code in the fall of 2000 and is intended to raise awareness regarding academic integrity. While aimed at students, faculty, administrators and staff, the events were all free and open to the public.
• The construction management program of the department of industrial management was granted reaccreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) board of trustees. The construction management program met ACCE standards and proved to ACCE board members, through a visiting team of its peers and industry practitioners, that the program is worthy of reaccreditation. The program currently has more than 190 students with two full-time faculty and support from other faculty from other programs within the department.
• Associate of Applied Science degrees in Computer Graphics and Programming and in Fire Science were approved by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) for the West Plains Campus. Students who complete the AAS in Computer Graphics and Programming degree will qualify for jobs as multimedia artists and animators. The AAS in Fire Science degree is designed to help both volunteer and full-time firefighters further their education while using some of their professional education units as electives.
• Nearly all of the graduates from Missouri State University-West Plains' Associate of Science in Nursing degree program in May passed the National Council for State Boards of Nursing's NCLEX examination, giving the program a 94 percent pass rating for the Class of 2005. Class pass rates for Missouri State-West Plains' graduates have averaged 84 percent over the past 10 years.

Faculty and Staff

During the year, several faculty members received national recognition or participated in activities on a national/international level.

• Dr. Gary Meints, assistant chemistry professor, received an award from the Research Corporation for his work on a project entitled "Investigating Local Dynamics in Damaged DNA via Solid-State Deuterium NMR." The purpose of the research project is to analyze local flexibility in numerous types of molecules, possibly leading to a greater understanding of the cellular mechanisms which repair cancerous and mutagenic damage to DNA.
• Dr. Dale Walton, assistant professor of defense and strategic studies; and Dr. Beat Kernen, political science department head, represented Missouri State University at the 2005 Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) Academic Fellowship Program in Israel.
• Dr. Stephen Berkwitz, associate professor of religious studies, was selected to receive a 2005-06 Fulbright U.S. Senior Scholar Award to travel to Sri Lanka for seven months to conduct research on early colonial-era Buddhism.
• Sally Rowe, assistant director of the Career Center, achieved the title of Master Career Counselor (MCC), a special status from the National Career Development Association (NCDA) offered only to those members who have achieved the depth and breadth of experience to provide a full range of career services.
• In his new book, Pubs and Progressives: Reinventing the Public House in England, 1896-1960, Dr. David Gutzke, history professor and alcohol historian, examines the reformation of British watering holes at the turn of the 20th century.
• Dr. Cynthia Pemberton, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, was named an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow for the 2006-07 academic year. She is one of only 38 Fellows nationally who were selected this year.
• Dr. James Giglio, distinguished professor of history at Missouri State University, has spent much of the past decade combing through millions of documents and records as they were released by the federal government and countless hours scouring the archives at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston to produce the revised edition of his best-selling book, The Presidency of John F. Kennedy.
• Qian Qian, assistant professor of art and design, was named one of the "top 20 under 30" visual artists by Print magazine. Qian's works were featured in the March/April issue of Print weeks after they were displayed at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• Dr. Yungchen Cheng, mathematics department head, was named chair- elect of the Missouri Mathematical Association of America (MAA).
• Dr. Susan Hinck, associate professor of nursing, was selected as a scholar in the 2006 Geriatrics Nursing Research Scholars Program at the John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University (NYU). Hinck, one of only 14 nurses chosen for the summer program, attended a weeklong seminar at NYU's College of Nursing.
• Mark Biggs, associate professor of media, journalism and film, was appointed chair of the nine-member Missouri Film Commission. As chair, he will work in an advisory role to the Department of Economic Development in an effort to bring more film production - and, ultimately, more cash flow - to Missouri.
• Again in 2005-06, two faculty members and two staff members were presented with Excellence in Community Service awards. The two faculty members honored were Ann Branstetter, psychology; and Billie Follensbee, art and design. The two staff members were Janet Graham, administrative secretary in the department of sociology, anthropology and criminology; and Brad Medlock, press operator at printing services.

Students

• The American Cancer Society Missouri State University Relay for Life hosted its 5th annual event. During the event, teams of 8-15 people gathered and took turns walking or running laps, keeping at least one team member on the track at all times. More than $149,000 was raised for the fight against cancer.
• Missouri State University's media, journalism and film department brought home two awards from the 2006 Show-Me Missouri International Film Festival and 11 awards from the 2006 Broadcast Education Association Festival. Six Missouri State presentations received first place honors and five presentations received honorable mentions, taking home more awards than any other school in Missouri at the Broadcast Education Association Festival.
• The Missouri State University debate team finished the year in eighth place nationally, according to the CEDA (Cross Examination Debate Association) rankings. The year ended with a trip to the CEDA National Tournament in Dallas where four Missouri State teams competed in a pool of 200 two-person debate teams. Three of those four teams cleared to the first elimination round. Additionally, the National Debate Tournament (NDT) - the other major policy debate organization - released its final sweepstake ratings. The Missouri State University varsity debate team finished the year in fifth place in varsity and the entire team finished 11th overall.
• The Missouri State University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team won the regional championship and advanced to the SIFE USA National Exposition in Kansas City. SIFE students transformed their knowledge into the community through projects, including: SIFE City, which helped fifth graders at Willard South and Republic Elementary learn about free market economics, entrepreneurship, financial management, personal success skills and ethics; Boomers & Beyond, which taught local senior citizens basic computer skills; and Business Entrepreneur Education Program (BEEP), which helped local entrepreneurs with marketing, ethics and entrepreneurship.
• Students from the Missouri State University department of industrial management participated in the annual BattleBots IQ competition in Miami, Fla. The Missouri State BattleBot, "Bear Necessity," won second place in the College Large Division and also took the award for Best Engineered Robot.
• Three Missouri State University students were awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded by the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. The scholarships were awarded to Mellissa Callahan, Anthony Petrovics and Jeremiah Brooks.
• Two students at Missouri State University-West Plains were selected for the 2006 All-Missouri Two-Year College Academic Team. Seth Lancaster, West Plains, was named to the second team, and Stephanie Cash, Thayer, was named to the third team. They were honored for their achievement during an award ceremony April 11 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. Hosted by the team co-sponsors, the Missouri Community College Association and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society of Missouri, the event recognized over 30 outstanding students and campus leaders selected to the overall team.

Special Activities

• Missouri State University granted its fourth honorary doctorate to Pat Walker. The Doctor of Public Affairs was presented to Walker during spring commencement ceremonies. Walker has volunteered for the betterment of Springfield for 45 years, serving on more then 30 national, state and local boards of directors. Among her many local community endeavors, she was integrally involved with the Urban District Alliance, which led the effort to revitalize downtown Springfield.
• Missouri State University hosted "Higher Education and the Public Good." The summit discussed the value of public and private higher education in terms of economic and social benefits.
• Missouri State University was one of 39 institutions in the United States and the only one in Missouri to host "Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln's Journey to Emancipation." The exhibit is based upon original documents in the collections of the Huntington Library and the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
• Missouri State University held the third annual student-led Public Affairs Week (PAW) with activities designed to demonstrate service, community involvement and citizenship as a part of the University's public affairs mission. Events included a canned food drive and raffle, and a service fair, featuring many volunteer and service organizations available on campus and throughout the community.
• For the 12th year, Missouri State University and Drury University hosted the Expanding Your Horizons conference. The conference, part of a project supported by the National Science Foundation, fosters collaborations between various types of programs and organizations in Missouri, Kansas and northeast Oklahoma that help girls pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Keynote speaker and former astronaut Dr. Mary Ellen Weber shared personal experiences from space and her own career to bring various perspectives to life.
• The Missouri State University School of Accountancy again partnered with representatives from a dozen federal, state, local, private and not-for-profit agencies throughout the region to offer free tax preparation, e-filing and tax controversy assistance as part of the Across the Life Span (ATLS) and Volunteer Individual Tax Assistance (VITA) programs. The walk-in clinics are being offered free to those with low incomes, older adults and citizens who speak English as a second language.
• The second annual Public Affairs Conference, hosted by Missouri State University along with presenting sponsor the Springfield News- Leader, took place April 19-21 on the Springfield Campus. Themed "Horizons of Citizenship," the three-day event featured several engaging panel discussions. Keynote speakers included former senator and vice presidential candidate John Edwards and former senator David Pryor, along with former Missouri State University president Dr. John Keiser and Kansas Senator Sam Brownback.
• Missouri State University celebrated five special months: Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, African American Heritage Month, Asian- Pacific Islander Month, and Women's History Month.
• Missouri State University hosted a conference to discuss relations between America, the Middle East and the Islamic world. Scholars, diplomats, government officials, religious leaders and others from the United States, Israel, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan and other countries discussed a number of important issues pertaining to America's foreign policy toward the Middle East.
• Missouri State University and IBM officials announced that the University has joined IBM's Academic Initiative to better prepare students to be future leaders in technology and business. The partnership will provide students with free access to a wide range of IBM software, hardware and services resources, valued at approximately $5 million. IBM Academic Initiative is a program that offers University faculty and students a host of educational benefits to encourage the use of open standards technologies. By participating in this initiative, universities receive free access to IBM software, free course material, training and curriculum development, and discounted hardware.
• Missouri State University's Institute for School Improvement (ISI) and seven school districts in southwest Missouri signed a cooperative agreement designed to promote educational research in the districts. The agreement established the Ozarks Educational Research Initiative (OERI). OERI will create a collaborative network of educational researchers and educators in southwest Missouri. The partnership combines the districts' desire to have research and evaluations conducted to improve their educational programs and the University's experience in conducting research and program evaluation in a variety of educational environments.
• During the year, a wide variety of speakers visited campus including legal expert Peter Irons, who delivered a lecture entitled "Religion and the Constitution: A Discussion of Recent Rulings from the Court"; Les Janka, vice president for the National Council for U.S.-Arab Relations, spoke on "U.S. and Saudi Arabia - Allies in the War on Terrorism"; Harry Boyte, a senior fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, spoke to faculty, staff and the community about ways in which people are reclaiming responsibility for helping to solve problems and to create democracy as a way of life.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Victories in their respective State Farm Missouri Valley Conference championship tournaments and subsequent appearances in the NCAA tournaments by teams from volleyball, women's basketball and softball were the top highlights from intercollegiate athletics in the first year under the banner of Missouri State University.

• The volleyball Bears of Coach Melissa Stokes wound up in second place in the MVC regular season race to unbeaten and nationally ranked Wichita State but blew past the Shockers 3-0 in the league tourney finals. Missouri State then hooked up in an NCAA first-round match at the University of Missouri, and the Tigers turned back the Bears.
• The basketball Lady Bears of Coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson were in the second division in the Valley regular season standings but stormed back with four wins in less than 72 hours to win the league tourney in Hammons Student Center. Missouri State lost in its NCAA first round game at Purdue. The softball Bears of Coach Holly Hesse were the league leaders until the final game of the last day of the season before finishing second but chalked up three straight 4-0 victories to breeze to the conference tourney title. Missouri State's reward was to play top- ranked UCLA on the Bruins' home field in Los Angeles in the NCAA regional. The Bears lost to UCLA and Long Beach State in the regional but still finished with a school record 40-win season.
• Other league titles came from the women's swimming team in the State Farm MVC meet and the men's swimming team in the Missouri Valley Invitational. The men's basketball team became the highest-ranked RPI team in NCAA history to not get an NCAA tournament bid. The 22-win Bears went to the NIT where they beat Stanford and Houston before losing at Louisville in the NIT quarterfinals. Individually, senior Tracy Partain finished second in the nation in the heptathlon at the NCAA outdoor meet in the spring to win All- America honors. Missouri State finished second in the MVC all-sports competition in the 10-school Valley.

Sponsored Research Programs

For the first time in history, the University system exceeded $18 million in award funding. In all, Missouri State University received $18,133,909 from a total of 151 grants and contracts awarded to faculty and staff during 2005-06. Compared to the previous year, there was a 9 percent increase in funds awarded. A sampling of research projects funded by external sources during FY 06 include:

• Dr. Ryan Giedd, executive director of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC), and Matthew Curry, assistant director of Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE), a primary component of JVIC, received $3,951,878 from the Office of Naval Research. CASE, in conjunction with private companies, Nantero, Inc. (Woburn, Mass.) and Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc. (Houston, Texas), will work to develop "radiation hardened non-volatile carbon nanotube random access memory (NRAM)." When incorporated into electrical devices such as computers and tactical weapons, NRAM could guard against the damage from electromagnetic pulse radiation, one of the forms of energy released after a nuclear weapon is detonated.
• Dr. David Hough, dean, and Joan Armstrong-Tiehen, both of the College of Education, along with Dr. Chris Craig, acting associate provost, received a $164,582 contract from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to continue Project ACCESS. This program was established in 1985 and provides professional development for Missouri teachers and assists parents of children with autism.
• Dr. Rhonda Ridinger, Dr. Sarah McCallister and Dr. Rebecca Woodard of the health, physical education and recreation department received a grant of $79,192 from the Missouri Foundation for Health and $33,811 from the Missouri Department of Transportation for Show-Me Body Walk. Developed in collaboration with the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health, Show Me Body Walk is a traveling exhibit that provides elementary school students with an engaging interactive experience to enhance their learning about nutrition, safety, health, physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Dr. Arlen Diamond, professor of media and director of Broadcast Services; and Tammy Wiley, associate director of Broadcast Services, received a $17,542 grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for a joint project of Ozarks Public Television and the College of Education. Funding will enable the development and broadcast of professional development modules for teachers in at-risk and failing schools in southwest Missouri. This team also received a $35,000 grant from CPB for a project entitled Literacy Building for Immigrant Children in Rural Missouri. This grant will enable the staff of KOZK- KOZJ, the University's public television station, and faculty and staff of the College of Education to produce literacy activities targeted toward low-income children based on the PBS Ready to Learn program.
• Dr. Dennis Hickey, professor of political science, received a $41,500 grant from the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Kansas City, to organize an international conference titled Taiwan and the World: Taiwan's External Relations in a Time of Transition. The meeting was held April 1-2, 2006, at Missouri State University. Attendees included prominent academics and government officials from the U.S., Taiwan and China.
• Dr. Paul Durham, associate professor of biology and director of the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences, was awarded $243,567 for the first of a five year grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the cellular/molecular mechanisms regulating neuronal-glial interactions during temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology and therapy. This research is intended to result in a better understanding of neuronal-glial signaling pathways in the trigeminal ganglion and to help identify potential therapeutic targets for treatment of TMJ and other orofacial diseases.
• Dr. Nikolay Gerasimchuk, associate professor of chemistry, was awarded $30,996 in a two-year grant from the Research Corporation for a project entitled Visible Light Insensitive Silver(I) Cyanoximates. Several previously obtained silver(I) cyanoximates exhibited remarkable stability towards visible light, but readily developed sharp and contrasting images when exposed to UV-light and x-ray radiation. This project is dedicated to the development of new materials with specific sensitivity to high energy photons (UV or x- rays) and quantitative measurements of photosensitivity of the obtained solid compounds.
• Dr. Lynda Plymate and Dr. Kurt Killion, professors of mathematics, and Dr. Cheryl Schaefer, assistant professor of physics, were awarded $189,003 for the first year of an intended three-year grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education. This grant will enable 4th- through 8th-grade math and science teachers from rural, high-need school districts to participate in a three-week summer institute and follow-up sessions to increase their knowledge base in math and science. This training will promote inquiry-based instruction and will consider cooperative learning and differentiated instruction, as well as increase the use of assessment data-based instructional decisions.
• The College of Education received a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for a program which is intended to support teacher education candidates who plan to work directly with schools serving a high percentage of Hispanic youth.

Funding from state agencies increased to $4,210,719 - a 49 percent increase over the previous year. Other funding came from non-profit agencies ($441,580), corporate sponsors ($343,396), county/city agencies ($202,926), and international sponsors ($41,450).

Federal Funding

Funding from federal agencies reached a record high of $12,893,838 - an 8 percent increase over the previous year.

• The Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC), which includes the Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE) and the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences (CBLS), received 10 awards from federal sources totaling more than $9.8 million. Those awards were for on- going renovation of the JVIC facility located in downtown Springfield as well as for a number of projects focusing on national defense and homeland security issues. JVIC will house CASE and CBLS, as well as a number of technology companies conducting defense related research, development and limited scale manufacturing. The research emphasis includes sensors for biological and chemical airborne or waterborne agent detection, new carbon-based materials for hard-coat and shelter applications, and new devices for use in environmentally challenging environments.

Private Fund-Raising

In the process of setting a private giving record (see page 10), the University received gifts such as these:

• Greenwood Laboratory School at Missouri State University will benefit from two endowed funds established in honor of Horace and "Pete" Haseltine. Rick and Mary McQueary, both from the Greenwood Class of 1971, established an endowment for the Greenwood library in honor of Mary's parents, Horace and Pete, and an endowment for the Greenwood debate program in honor of Mary's father. The donation also helped fund renovations at the Greenwood library, which has been named in honor of Horace and Pete.
• The Grace Gardner Endowed Scholarship for Study Away was established through a $25,000 gift commitment by Springfield businessman Joe Jenkins. An anonymous donor pledged another $25,000 to the fund. The scholarships, awarded on a combination of financial need and merit, will be in amounts up to $1,000 and are intended to help cover costs for students to travel abroad for organized study.
• The James F. Morris Family established an endowed professorship at Missouri State University. The designation of the program receiving the professorship will be at the discretion of the Provost and President.