Required to put the original article title here per sub rules but that's not what I'm posting for. Yes it's great that the student slot on the board is finally going to be filled but it's not like they're going to start listening to students anyways :/.

Personally I would prefer it if faculty and staff did not use AI because I'd like to receive a solid education from Mizzou, and specifically from the well-educated, wonderful people here. Every time I see an assignment or presentation was created "with the aid of AI" I immediately lose respect for the professor, because if they couldn't be bothered to make it, why should I give it my attention? I can't even imagine how much AI Choi must be using despite making $1million/year to do the work himself. (And yet, MU Healthcare workers are being let go left and right to cut costs.)

Figured folks here would also find this topic interesting to chew on. I'm certainly glad I'll be out of here before this gets added.

ept. 2, 2026
Contact: Travis Zimpfer, [zimpfert@missouri.edu](mailto:zimpfert@missouri.edu)
Photo by Abbie Lankitus
The University of Missouri is strengthening its position as a national leader in energy innovation with a historic $50 million gift and the start of construction on a new interdisciplinary research facility designed to tackle some of the nation’s most complex energy challenges.
David Payne, BS EE ’83, made the $50 million donation to Mizzou’s College of Engineering, the largest single investment in a school or college in university history. The gift will transform the college by supporting academic programs and students, advancing faculty research and improving facilities, including a significant renovation of Naka Hall, home to the electrical engineering and computer science department. In recognition of his generosity, the department will now be named the David L. Payne Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Payne joined university, state and community officials today to break ground on the Payne Energy Innovation Center, a 116,000-square-foot facility that will bring together expertise from across campus to develop new solutions for how energy is produced, stored, secured and delivered.
“The Payne Energy Innovation Center and the generosity of David Payne position Mizzou as America's next hub for energy transformation and solutions,” said Todd Graves, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. “This investment strengthens the university's land-grant mission by preparing tomorrow's workforce and creating lasting economic impact across the state for generations to come.”
Payne has built a four-decade career in the electrical industry. He is chair of PayneCrest Electric in St. Louis, an electrical contracting company he took the helm of in 1985 and expanded to serve commercial and industrial customers nationwide.

“David Payne is a visionary leader who shares our commitment to bring energy innovations that benefit our state and nation,” said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. “We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary support that will advance pioneering research in Mizzou Engineering and the Payne Energy Innovation Center and equip future energy leaders to make an impact.”
The $50 million gift also helped push Mizzou’s Power the Roar campaign to $1.1 billion, surpassing the halfway point toward its historic $2 billion goal. Launched publicly last fall, the campaign is fueling investments to educate future leaders, save and improve lives, build a resilient world, strengthen communities and develop champions.

Powering what’s next
Fueled in large part by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, global energy demand is projected to double in the next 25 years. Meeting that demand will require more than producing additional power. Aging infrastructure, cybersecurity threats, extreme weather and changing energy loads are creating new challenges for how energy is generated, stored, secured and delivered.

Mizzou is uniquely positioned to meet those challenges.
At the center, researchers will tackle energy challenges from production to performance, with an initial focus on high-impact areas such as advanced energy materials, artificial intelligence and grid security. The work will draw on Mizzou’s strengths in nuclear energy, materials science and cybersecurity.

The center builds on years of momentum behind Mizzou’s vision for energy innovation, including a $10 million gift from Mizzou alumnus Jim Fitterling, BS ME ’83. That support helped launch plans for an interdisciplinary energy center and laid the foundation for the project now taking shape.

“The future of energy is being built right here at Mizzou,” said Marisa Chrysochoou, dean of the College of Engineering. “This facility will unite world-class expertise to accelerate discoveries, prepare the next generation of engineers and create solutions with the potential to transform how we produce and use energy.”
That work will extend beyond the laboratory. Experts in public policy, agriculture, business and other fields will explore how new technologies can move from discovery to practical use and how innovation can benefit communities across Missouri.

“Mizzou has an opportunity to shape not only the next generation of energy technology, but how that technology changes lives,” said Cooper Drury, dean of the College of Arts and Science. “By bringing policy experts together with scientists and engineers under one roof, we can move discoveries from the lab into communities faster and ensure the benefits of innovation reach people across Missouri and beyond. That kind of collaboration is how we turn big ideas into lasting impact.”

By combining expertise across those disciplines, Mizzou is creating an energy research ecosystem that can approach challenges from every angle — from discovering new materials and strengthening the power grid to developing policies and preparing the workforce needed to put new technologies into practice.

The Payne Energy Innovation Center is a partnership between the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Science, and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), with expertise from the School of Law, the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business and the Missouri School of Journalism.

The center — which is expected to open in Fall 2028 — will also help Mizzou attract leading faculty and researchers in energy-related fields.

“The energy solutions of tomorrow will have a direct impact on how we grow food, manage natural resources and strengthen communities,” said Christopher Daubert, CAFNR dean. “This facility will harness Mizzou’s tremendous breadth of expertise to turn research into practical solutions that benefit Missouri and the world.”

https://youtu.be/W9Wj8_klMmU?is=XdYvYtgOG5JXqgLj

https://engineering.missouri.edu/2026/historic-50-million-gift-powers-payne-energy-innovation-center-at-mizzou/

This year there are over 60 makers and artists. In vendor alley you will find leather work, books, textiles, clothing, painting and drawing, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, and botanicals...

Check out the website for a list of confirmed vendors.

The fourth annual Zipper Fest is Saturday September 12 from 1-7 at the 600 block of Fay St.

From the State Historical Society of Missouri

https://digital.shsmo.org/digital/collection/imc/id/62971/rec/4724

I’m currently a finance major considering switching to management. I’m definitely more of a people person than a numbers person, and I feel like management fits my strengths better.
My biggest concern is limiting my career options or earning potential after college. Does a finance degree really give you that much more flexibility than management?
Looking for genuine advice from anyone who has experience with either major!

EDITED***** CHECK THE BOTTOM

So I moved in the 19th and have already switched to the lowest dining plan since I really don’t use Tiger Taps much at all. However, I’ve tried quite a few places on campus and I can’t lie, I hate the food here😃. I know hate is a strong word and I haven’t* tried everything, but I can’t stomach some of the stuff here and the rest of the stuff just doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe it’s because I’m an out of state person who’s used to having more food options? I’m not sure. It could be because I’m still somewhat adjusting to being in Missouri? Or just being in college? I’m not sure what the food differences are here in comparison to my home.

Should I just try more food options and find ones to stick to for the rest of the year? Or should I just stick to the food markets on campus?

(I’ve eaten at Sàvor, Plaza 900, Mark, Pizza & MO, Wings & MO, Panda Express, Shake Smart, and a few other places. But I haven’t tried the 3-4 places in southwest because it’s too hot and too far💔)

EDIT:
Someone (rightfully so) pointed out that I didn’t mention what I usually/like eating or what I dislike about the food I’ve eaten here(my bad yo🥲) so it won’t be easy to get advice. And they’re right, so here it is

To start off, I’m from AR, and I typically eat quite a few different things like: fried chicken, Burgers, Chinese food(mainly sesame chicken and chicken chow mein), some Japanese food, some Mexican food(not a lot because I’m lactose intolerant💔), BBQ (mainly ribs, burgers, hot links, corn, etc.), a lot of pasta, quite a bit of fruit, ramen, and quite a few baked goods(Bundt cake, sweet potato pie, cheesecake, etc.). I’m not picky, but I’m used to quite a lot of seasoning and eating stuff like Chinese or Mexican food from local family restaurants.

Now about the campus dining:

Savor: there’s quite a few options to pick from to make your bowl (reminds me of Ghengis grill in Little Rock area), except none of the food options make sense together. I’ve tried different bases and proteins, and I can’t ever get anything together that tastes right.

Plaza 900/Mark: these are both dining halls and they aren’t awful, but as someone pointed out, they feed tons of people a day, so it’s quantity over quality. The breakfast options are typically just biscuit, some oily sausage, soggy hashbrowns, and eggs or something else besides the area where you can grab cereal. The other foods there (the burgers and fries and pizza) just taste bland to me most of the time and makes eating feel like a chore🥲. (Props to the staff though, they work hard)

Pizza & Wings MO: I can’t lie, I’m not much of a wings person, but I love boneless regular or barbecue wings. I did not like any of the wings I tried here. For some reason they were just “chewy” or so to speak. And the pizza isn’t awful, but there’s usually some sauce and a whole lot of cheese and oil and I typically use ranch or marinara sauces just to eat an entire slice without loosing appetite

Panda Express: I honestly don’t know why I tried it when I hated it back home too, but my egg and spring rolls are almost always soggy when I order them and then I only taste straight spice when I eat the chicken or show mein💔. But that’s lowkey my fault for trying it😭

Shake smart: it’s not awful, and it’s a pretty cool setup, but the protein in almost everything including the shakes leaves a chalky taste and texture in my mouth that makes me gag. I can’t stomach it, and I hope it’s just the protein, because I’m not really a picky eater (I used to eat chocolate pudding in my bologna sandwiches as a kid, I know I’m not picky), and I love shakes and trying out food from this place. (Minus the protein they put in the stuff)

I hope that information helps(?), I’m trying my best not to skip meals because of all the walking I’ve been doing here

I’m currently a finance major considering switching to management. I’m definitely more of a people person than a numbers person, and I feel like management fits my strengths better.
My biggest concern is limiting my career options or earning potential after college. Does a finance degree really give you that much more flexibility than management?
Looking for genuine advice from anyone who has experience with either major!

A fully furnished one bedroom with private bathroom is available at the RISE ON 9th! Female only. This months rent already paid and you are able to move in immediately.

RENT IS ONLY $839.00!!! It’s discounted at $200 less from the actual terms! everything is included except for electricity. Sublease goes through July 2027. The apartment has its own washer and dryer. Parking is available but limited. also the other 2 bedrooms alreaday occupied. Please go the web site riseon9th.com to see all the great amenities like pool and gym and see the floor plan of the 3bed/3bath unit.

From the State Historical Society of Missouri

https://digital.shsmo.org/digital/collection/imc/id/14874/rec/241

Description
Women journalism students with Winifred Black Bonfils of the Kansas City Post during Editors' Week at the University of Missouri. Upper row, left to right: Cannie R. Quinn, Etna McCormick, Mary Gentry Paxton, Florence Laturnofi. Front row, left to right: Heloise B. Kennedy, Ruby H. Sutton, Bessie Freedman, Winifred Black Bonfils, Blance Whitaker.

Opportunities to enhance data tracking for alpha-gal syndrome due to an uptick in cases were discussed Thursday by the University of Missouri’s Board of Curators Health Affairs Committee.

Alpha-gal syndrome is defined as “a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy and tick-borne disease. Alpha-gal is a molecule (galactose- alpha-1,3-galactose) that is naturally produced in the bodies of most mammals but not in people,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ross Zafonte, executive vice dean of the MU School of Medicine, said alpha-gal syndrome cases in Missouri have increased.

Zafonte said that more than a quarter of Missourians have been sensitized to alpha-gal, a sugar molecule in mammals, through lone star tick bites. Those sensitized to alpha-gal may be sensitive to red meat but may not experience severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Anaphylaxis is defined as a “severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to,” according to the Mayo Clinic. After exposure, the immune system floods the body with chemicals, causing symptoms including difficulty breathing, a rapid or weak pulse, vomiting and a skin rash.
This increase in sensitization could have a large financial impact on Missouri, from healthcare to groceries, diet and more, Zafonte said.

About 80,000 Missourians may have alpha-gal syndrome, which can result in anaphylaxis,according to LymeDisease.org.
In response to the increase, Benjamin Casterline, who specializes in dermatology and immunology at MU Health Care, is developing a disease registry to link symptoms to biological markers for further study.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will begin statewide case reporting within six months, according to Zafonte’s slide during the meeting.
“We are taking an aggressive, scientific approach, because of its impact to the state, on what happens to individuals that can include their antibody levels, and include who they are, but also this idea of repeat exposure and individual immune states,” Zafonte said.
The board also discussed MU Health Care’s Express Care clinics.

MU Health Care extended its hours starting Aug. 1 at Battle Avenue Medical Building at 7115 E. St. Charles Road in Columbia and Family Medicine Clinic at 1014 Madison St. in Jefferson City.
The MU Health Care clinics will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays, said Ric Ransom, MU Health Care’s chief executive officer.
“Express Care is designed to give patients the flexibility they need, offering extended hours, no appointment access and seamless connections to primary and specialist care,” he said.
MU Health Care closed its four Hy-Vee quick care locations on Aug. 1.

Hey there! If anyone plays pokemon go and is new to campus, for the past few years I've been running an interactive pokemon go scanner map/bot covering campus and Columbia, which allows tracking of 100% IV, gyms, rockets, research, etc.

Feel free to DM me if you're interested!

I'm looking at prices online, and most are around 3.89 per gallon

From the State Historical Society of Missouri

https://digital.shsmo.org/digital/collection/imc/id/63260/rec/97

There’s important college sports-related legislation making the rounds on Capitol Hill this week in the form of the Protect College Sports Act, up for consideration in the U.S. Senate.
But on Thursday afternoon, Missouri got its own moment in the Congressional record.
U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Missouri, introduced a Senate resolution that recognizes Mizzou’s 1960 football team “for its undefeated regular season, Orange Bowl victory and claim to the 1960 national championship.”

No one in the Senate chamber objected to Schmitt’s resolution, so it passed. Senate resolutions are, by the chamber’s definition, considered reflective of the legislative body’s “sentiments” and do not have the force of law.

MU does not claim to have won the national title in 1960, though some external entities — including now the U.S. Senate — have made that claim on the school’s behalf.
That year, the Tigers only lost one game during the regular season, to Kansas. After the fact, though, the Big 8 Conference required the Jayhawks to forfeit the game because they’d fielded an ineligible player.
The game sparked outrage amongst fans and is still challenged today.
Missouri then went on to beat Navy and Heisman Trophy winner Joe Bellino in the Orange Bowl, finishing 11-0.

At that time, national champions were determined by a variety of sources — the BCS and College Football Playoff were decades away from being used to settle the matter.
In 1960, the Associated Press and coaches polls picked Minnesota as the champion following the regular season. When the Golden Gophers went on to lose to Washington, some sources instead recognized the Huskies as champs. Others still picked Ole Miss, with 10 wins and one tie, as the champ. Even a one-loss Iowa team got a championship nod.
There have been some in the Mizzou fanbase who would like to see the Tigers stake a claim to the 1960 title, even 60-plus years later.

“I’ve been beating the drum to try to get the university to recognize it because I think they have as much a right as anyone in the country to be national champions in 1960,” author Brendon Steenbergen, whose 2024 book Respectable Roughnecks detailed that season, told the Post-Dispatch previously.
Schmitt apparently feels similarly.
Prior to introducing his resolution, the Senator delivered a six-minute floor speech telling the story of Missouri’s 1960 season. Schmitt talked about then-coach Dan Devine’s motivations toward getting revenge against Oklahoma for a miserable 1958 loss; the talent of star Norris Stevenson, credited for breaking the color barrier at MU as the school’s first Black player to receive a football scholarship; and of course the infamous overturned loss against Kansas.
“Today, I’m proud to honor Coach Dan Devine, Norris Stevenson and every member of the undefeated 1960 Missouri Tigers,” Schmitt said in his prepared remarks. “Their promise was kept, their championship was earned, their record remains perfect. And Kansas still lost.”

Anyone want this Missouri/Miss U sweater (Size M-L)? As seen on Drake in pics. Had my time with it & now I’m done. Willing to ship. MIZ/ZOU!

Is anyone else as upset about the changes being made to the MU Health PTO as I am? I am so angry and so bothered, and I don't feel I even have a voice to express it. That's why I'm here. I have worked for MU Health 12 years. When I started 12 years ago under CEO Mitch Wasden, I was so proud to be an employee. We actively lived the Culture of Yes. Over the years since he left, I have felt more and more marginalized as an employee.

In January of 2024, MU Health employees (who are supposed to be just as much University of Missouri employees as everyone else) learned we were going to get four fewer PTO days than campus employees in the form of winter break. For those who don't work for MU, the School of Medicine and University Physicians are CAMPUS employees, not hospital. So, in the hospital we literally have some people in the same departments who get to take off during Christmas without using their PTO while others of us don't.

Now, we are told we are losing three holidays per year. So, in total, Hospital employees have SEVEN fewer paid days off per year than ALL other UM employees. They are doing this by putting all of our holidays into a PTO bucket and incrementally giving the time out to us every pay period. That might be okay if we were given equal time off. But we aren't. Currently, UM employees have 10 paid holidays per year. As of January 1, 2027, MU Health will only have 1, Veteran's Day. If we were treated equitably we would get 72 additional hours to compensate for the nine holidays (9 holidays times 8 hours). We are only getting an additional 48 hours, which is equivalent to 6 holidays. We completely lose the other three.

The other grossly inequitable part of this is that only hospital employees suffer the loss. University Physicians and School of Medicine do not lose time off. That means the DOCTORS do not suffer along with us. We were told that this change is necessary because as a hospital our benefit package is too rich in comparison to other hospitals nationally. If that is the case, then shouldn't the doctors be treated the same as those at all other hospitals? Aren't their benefits too rich as well? The hospital would not be in operation without its nurses, LPNs, techs, cooks, custodial workers, billers, etc. Yet we bear the loss alone. I stopped using MU Health for my personal medical care long ago. If you are a patient and you love your doctor, PLEASE ask him or her why he/she is not standing up for those of us with no voice? We as employees don't matter to the administration. If you are a patient, you matter because you are the customer. Please speak up for us.

Mizzou has a beautiful campus. Hard to beat Francis Quad. What are some of your favorites?

From the State Historical Society of Missouri

https://digital.shsmo.org/digital/collection/imc/id/65928/rec/7

Mizzou's annual Tomato Festival marks its 21st year Thursday | Mid-Missouri News | komu.com
https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/mizzous-annual-tomato-festival-comes-back-bigger-better-for-its-21st-year/article_caa4bbc6-d084-51ba-bf0d-edde8e30a92f.html