Higher education leaders grateful for funding approved by Missouri governor

(The Center Square) – As Missouri’s 2025 fiscal year started on Monday, higher education leaders had more money to spend.

The state’s $50.5 billion budget, signed into law by Republican Gov. Mike Parson on Friday, provides $504.6 million in core funding, a 3% increase, and money for capital improvement projects at the University of Missouri’s four campuses.

Parson vetoed seven items worth approximately $9 million from the $1.4 billion budget for Missouri’s Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. The largest line item was $5 million for statewide operations for the Agricultural Extension Service. However, the university’s extension service will have a $24.7 million budget.

“Further, this item provides additional funding for the University of Missouri Extension, which is the responsibility of the University of Missouri’s budget,” Parson wrote in his veto letter. “The Fiscal Year 2025 budget approved by the General Assembly includes a 3% increase for public four-year institutions of higher education, totaling over $27.1 million.”

Approximately 45% of money appropriated to the University of Missouri is designated for construction, renovation and maintenance projects. State general revenue and federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act will provide approximately $450 million for 11 projects at all four university sites.

"State support for the UM System empowers Missouri,” Robin Wenneker, chair of the university's Board of Curators, said in a statement. “Funding supports the kind of world-class education we deliver every day, and that is important to our state.”

A $1.3 million expansion for the Missouri State University-West Plains to expand its nursing and allied health program was vetoed. However, Parson noted in the veto letter a grant the campus received from the Missouri State Board of Nursing for the program.

The university budget also includes $104.4 million to assist students pursuing doctoral degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry and pharmacy.

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Parson and our legislative leaders for their incredible commitment to our mission of teaching, research and meaningful engagement,” Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri, said in a statement. “This record support will directly benefit the health, economic and workforce needs of communities across the state, while providing a 13-to-1 return on investment for all Missourians.”

Parson also vetoed a $1 million "Job Development and Training Fund" for the Lincoln University Hemp Institute. The program is developing crop management practices for industrial hemp, conducting workshops for law enforcement and analyzing the economic impact of crop production and the industrial market.