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THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI BELONGS TO ALL OF US ... BUT SOME OF US JUST CARE ABOUT IT A LITTLE MORE.
There is a fundamental difference in how I look at the University of Missouri compared to how many legislators view the state’s flagship institution. My three years in Tate Hall — the old Law School — left a lasting impact, not only on my career, but on how I see the role of the University of Missouri and its importance to the city, the county, and the state.
The connection between MU and each of its graduates –– scattered throughout Missouri and the world –– is a powerful force that brings about a lasting interest in the institution and its future. It’s a bond that’s hard to break.
To many native Boone Countians — or to those of us who came long ago and never left — it feels like it’s OUR university, but we have to realize that our claim to MU is not unique. No community throughout the state is without its own ties to the University of Missouri — whether parents who send their son or daughter to the University — or the Community Development or Youth Specialist in the County Extension Center — or a local teacher who graduated from the MU College of Education.
The University of Missouri is the state’s flagship, its premier research institution. That makes it different from all other schools and colleges in our state. Its purpose is not only to educate students –– the next generation of doctors, lawyers, engineers, and entrepreneurs –– but also to create new knowledge through world-class research, and to share that knowledge through Outreach and Extension.
That’s why each state legislator — not just those from Boone County –– has a responsibility to provide for the needs of the University of Missouri. But, in truth, we in Boone County have many additional reasons to insure the future of MU.
Year after year of inadequate funding has threatened the status of the single most important economic engine in our city and county. A thriving University provides highly skilled jobs to our citizens. It brings talented people to live and work here. Students, faculty, and staff invest in our community — in our schools, in our churches, in our organizations. They buy houses, rent apartments, shop in our stores, and eat in our restaurants. They participate in cultural and athletic activities, and contribute to innumerable volunteer projects. The University of Missouri makes Boone County and Columbia much of what it is — a vibrant, dynamic community.
We neglect the University of Missouri at our own peril. We cannot allow the Legislature to continue to starve this fine institution. Not on my watch! As your next legislator, one of my top priorities will be to work tirelessly to provide adequate and ongoing funding to the University of Missouri — free from legislative intrusion into academic inquiry — free from legislative limitation on the scope of its research — and free from legislative efforts to hold it as a political hostage. That’s my pledge to you.
Chris Kelly... Your Voice in Jefferson City
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