Staff Greetings
Jan. 25, 2005
To Members of the MU Staff:
This is my first opportunity to greet you at the beginning of a new semester as chancellor of MU, and I want to tell you how much I value your role at our great University. The excellence that we have achieved — the excellence that is attracting record numbers of students, sponsored research and private gift support is the result of outstanding work on the part of every member of the campus team.
Staff brings tremendous competence, devotion, and enthusiasm to the job, which, in turn, generates a climate of caring and success that benefits our students and all others whom we strive to serve at the highest level. It is always so gratifying when I hear a story about the staff member who went the extra mile to help a student or other MU constituent who needed an extra measure of attention. As I meet our wonderful staff, witness first-hand the extraordinary beauty of our campus, depend on well planned and tended facilities and business operations, marvel at the professional quality of services provided, and share in the Mizzou spirit that pervades your work, I am so proud and grateful.
The New Year 2005 will bring challenges that will require our best efforts. As we begin the year in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, I recall his comments: “…our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” Working closely together, I know we can meet the challenges and emerge an even greater University.
My goal in the months ahead is to focus on good communication with staff and to share a dialogue that will promote the twin goals of excellence and efficiency for Mizzou. Thank you for all that you do.
Brady J. Deaton
Chancellor