Mun Choi was officially announced as the 24th president of the University of Missouri System on Nov. 2. The current UConn provost holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of lllinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as a master’s and doctorate in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. (Photos by August Jennewein)

Welcoming, inclusive, collegial for all.

These were the values that University of Missouri System President-designate Mun Choi returned to again and again as he spoke for the first time at the University of Missouri–St. Louis on Tuesday. During the first leg of a tour that has him visiting all four system campuses, Choi laid out his vision for what he called “one of the best university systems in the country.”

That vision is one steeped in what Choi referred to as “a strong belief in the transformative power of higher education” and a steadfast commitment to “setting remarkably high goals for excellence.”

Choi took a moment to shake hands and chat with many members of the UMSL audience. His presentation emphasized that his commitment to collaboration begins with listening.

The president-designate drew parallels between UMSL and the University of Connecticut, where he currently serves as provost and executive vice president. He emphasized that the great sense of responsibility and service that comes with being a public land-grant institution is one that must be fully embraced by all members of the entire UM System family.

Creating opportunities for “breakthrough scholarship,” fostering the kind of engagement that makes a difference for students and bringing about collaboration that can empower communities were just a few of the key priorities that Choi listed for his audience of students, faculty and staff, community members and civic leaders.

Pamela Henrickson, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, praised Choi’s past experience at UConn and touted his ability to foster progress.

“He not only comes up with bold ideas,” Henrickson said, “he knows how to translate those ideas into results.”

UMSL Chancellor Tom George said of Choi that he “could not be more pleased to welcome him” and that he believes him to be “the right person at the right time for the entire university system.”

Choi’s weeklong effort to visit the four UM System campuses will conclude Dec. 2 with a reception at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He will officially step into his new role on March 1.

Media Coverage:
St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis Post-Dispatch