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COLUMBIA, Mo. — In his annual State of the State address, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson released his budget recommendations for fiscal year 2025, which include a 3% increase to the core budget of higher education. The governor also proposed a third round of capital funding, which will support projects at all four ��ɫ��Ƶ universities.

“We are grateful for Governor Parson's leadership and his continued dedication to higher education, which ultimately improves the lives of all Missourians," said Robin Wenneker, chair of the UM Board of Curators. "These funds for our core budget and key projects are crucial to our mission of serving our students. The governor has been a steadfast partner of the UM System, and we look forward to continuing that relationship for the future strength of education in our great state."

The governor’s budget proposal includes nearly $18 million for MoExcels projects at UM universities. Those projects help facilitate workforce education and programs for high-demand occupations at Missouri’s public higher education institutions. Examples include $3.5 million for the Center for Engineering Technology at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Columbia, $4 million for a Student Success Space at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Kansas City, $3.3 million for a project addressing the manufacturing skills gap at Missouri University of Science and Technology, and $1 million for the Center for Entrepreneurship at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-St. Louis.

Additionally, the governor is proposing $117.5 million for capital improvement projects at all four UM universities, including:

• $52.3 million for NextGen Precision Health – MU

• $20 million for Health Sciences District development – UMKC

• $20 million for STEM education – Missouri S&T

• $20 million for Campus of the Future project – UMSL

"We appreciate Gov. Parson’s strong commitment to the ��ɫ��Ƶ and for the recommended increases to our core budget in support of teaching, research and meaningful engagement,” ��ɫ��Ƶ President Mun Choi said. “We are also thankful for his commitment to provide record capital support for investments in our research infrastructure, including NextGen Precision Health, NextGen MURR and the Center for Energy Innovation. Because of Gov. Parson's leadership, these facilities will bring new opportunities to our state and help save lives in Missouri and around the world.”