<body><div>Richard "Biff" Williams' sense of humor was on display during his inaugural address Thursday as the 12th president of Missouri State University.He recalled how establishing the institution in 1905 required land and an initial $25,000, so at a meeting, the Springfield leaders were told they could not leave until an agreement was signed."I personally think that's a pretty great idea. We need about $100 million for our next project, so ushers, if you will please lock the doors and let's get this party started," he joked. "Just kidding, but we do accept cash and check."<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0x7q9z_0wCTZD0000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0x7q9z_0wCTZD0000" width="960" height="640" ><figcaption>Richard "Biff" Williams was formally installed as the 12th president of Missouri State University during an inauguration Thursday, Oct. 17 as part of homecoming week festivities.</figcaption></figure>In referencing the upcoming move to the more athletically competitive Conference USA, he noted that the Missouri State Bears football team beat the Missouri Tigers in 1941."It's happened before and it's going to happen again," he said, pausing for applause. Then he joked: "Now we know what is going to make the papers."Despite Williams' jokes at the end, Missouri State's first inauguration in more than three decades was both solemn and serious. The last time the university held an inauguration was to install John Keiser as the eighth president in 1993.There was a unifying sentiment in the remarks delivered by university leaders — from the Board of Governors, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate — that the hiring of Williams marked a new chapter and that they planned to work closely with the administration to move the campus forward."As we gather today, we not only honor the achievements of the past but also look forward to a future of even greater promise," said Lynn Parman, chair of the governing board."This is a time of transition and it's also a time of renewal, a moment when we as a community reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles that have made Missouri State a leader in higher education: inclusivity, public service and academic rigor."<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3xlhOU_0wCTZD0000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3xlhOU_0wCTZD0000" width="960" height="1440" ><figcaption>The "chain of command" medallion was presented Thursday, Oct. 17 to Richard "Biff" Williams, the 12th president of Missouri State University.</figcaption></figure>Parman presented Williams with the "chain of command" medallion halfway through the inauguration. Williams moved to Springfield and started work this summer."The medallion is much more than an emblem. It represents the authority and responsibility entrusted to the president. It is a reflection of our collective trust in Dr. Williams and a symbol of the leadership necessary to advance Missouri State's mission of preparing students to be leaders in their fields and champions of ethical and engaged leadership," she said."The medallion bears the official seal of Missouri State University, connecting the new president to a legacy that spans more than a century."Scott Zimmerman, chair of Faculty Senate, said the institution has been built through partnership and cooperation and that will continue."This is a moment of renewal and fresh leadership as we look ahead to the future of our university with optimism and appreciation," he said.The university is in the midst of searching for a new provost. John Jasinski, who has served in the role since 2022, plans to retire in June.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=36Bw4Q_0wCTZD0000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=36Bw4Q_0wCTZD0000" width="960" height="640" ><figcaption>Lynn Parman, chair of the Board of Governors at Missouri State University presented the "chain of command" medallion to 12th president Richard "Biff" Williams during the Oct. 17 inauguration.</figcaption></figure>Of Williams, Zimmerman said: "Under your leadership, we are confident that this university will continue to be a place where ideas flourish, where students are empowered and where the values of scholarship, service and leadership are upheld. The faculty are committed to working with you."Campbell Keele, chair of the Staff Senate, described the office workers, groundskeepers, and student support staff as the "backbone" of the institution."As we move forward into this new era, we are confident that your leadership will take Missouri State to new heights," she said. "Your experience, dedication and clear commitment to our university's values give us great optimism for the future."Tamia Schiele, president of the Student Government Association, said teamwork is needed to advance the university."We look forward to working with you, addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead, whether it is enhancing the student experience, advancing sustainability efforts or continuing to elevate Missouri State's role as a leader in public education," she said.State Sen. Lincoln Hough, who served in the Missouri House before his election to the Missouri Senate in 2022, praised the "bold vision" Williams has articulated for the university."Many of my colleagues in both chambers, from both sides of the aisle, understand the importance of Missouri State, and that it must continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of not only our community but our state, whether that is a conversation about student financial aid or the ability to offer whatever degree is necessary," Hough said. "You have a lot of friends in the capitol and we are your advocates and we stand ready to assist you in any way we can."<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3q5XcE_0wCTZD0000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3q5XcE_0wCTZD0000" width="960" height="640" ><figcaption>The Pride Marching Band participated in the inauguration of Richard "Biff" Williams as the 12th president of Missouri State University.</figcaption></figure>The inauguration at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts started with music from the MSU Symphony and the MSU Women's Chorus and ended with the Pride Marching Band.An invocation was given by Devon Jarvis, president of the Springfield stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.In an earlier interview with the News-Leader, Williams spoke about the role faith has played in shaping his life and the way he leads. He was raised in a religious home and served on mission trips for his church. His children have followed in his footsteps."For me as a leader, I gleaned from it authenticity, caring for other people, to allow other people to know that you're focusing on honesty, integrity," he said."Where my faith has come in is that I want to be the best that I can be. And I want other people to be the best that they can be."His parents, wife Kristen, and three of their five grown children were at the inauguration. Former colleagues from time at Utah Tech University, where he served as president, were also present.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3MI3XG_0wCTZD0000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3MI3XG_0wCTZD0000" width="960" height="640" ><figcaption>Richard "Biff" Williams, the 12th president of Missouri State University, outlines his vision for the institution as part of his Oct. 17 inauguration.</figcaption></figure>In his address, Williams referred to the history of the institution and, specifically, the book "Daring to Excel: The First 100 years of Southwest Missouri State University," by Donald Landon.Williams highlighted a track record of attracting private support, evolving academic programs, growing student clubs and activities, supporting student success, partnering with businesses, serving the community, and serving students in a holistic way."We have weathered challenges, celebrated achievements and continually adapted to the needs of our community and our world," Williams said. "This shared commitment reminds me that education is not merely a path to a degree, it is a pathway to possibility."The university recently launched a long-range strategic planning process to set goals for the next five years. He talked about embracing an "abundant mindset" and noted that the opposite, a "scarcity mindset," can lead to poor decisions and hamper growth."Our abundant attitude will strengthen community partnerships, attract resources, improve outcomes, and promote personal growth for everyone involved," he said. "This abundance will help us create an undeniable brand ... it enhances our reputation and our credibility, a brand the differentiates us from the other institutions of higher education."Williams said the university will work to forge new or stronger bonds with local communities and businesses, including the industries that drive economic development in southwest Missouri."Missouri State University has a proud history of academic excellence and we will build on the legacy by investing in cutting edge research, instructional pedagogy and experiential learning," he said."I envision a future where our students engage in hands-on projects that address real world issues, projects that not only enhance their education but also make a meaningful impact on our world."This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Inauguration of 12th MSU president touted as 'time of renewal'</div></body>

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Missouri State marks new era, 'time of renewal' with inauguration of 12th president

Richard \"Biff\" Williams' sense of humor was on display during his inaugural address Thursday as the 12th president of Missouri State University. He recalled how establishing the institution in 1905 required land and an initial $25,000, so at a meeting, the Springfield leaders were told they could not leave until an agreement was signed.

Richard "Biff" Williams' sense of humor was on display during his inaugural address Thursday as the 12th president of Missouri State University. He recalled how establishing the institution in 1905 required land and an initial $25,000, so at a meeting, the Springfield leaders were told they could not leave until an agreement was signed.