University of Central Missouri Board of Governors Approves FY 2025 Operating Budget Updates and Honors Distinguished Faculty and Staff

By Alex Greenwood, June 26, 2024

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Board of Governors approved updates to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Operating Budget plan during their meeting on UCM’s main campus in Warrensburg, Missouri on June 13. The session also included recognition of several faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions.

 

The updates to the FY 2025 Operating Budget plan, initially approved during the plenary session on April 25, 2024, include provisions for adjustments based on anticipated changes in projected revenue. On May 10, 2024, the Missouri General Assembly granted final approval to the FY 2025 state budget. With Governor Parson's signature, it allocates a net appropriation of $64 million to UCM, representing an increase of nearly $1.9 million in expected revenue for FY 2025. The total operating budget remains unchanged at $178.4 million, as approved in April.

 

Key budget allocation changes include faculty and staff salary and benefit increases. Additionally, the university’s minimum wage will be reset to $15.00 per hour from $14.00 per hour for full-time employees, inclusive of benefits. The student employee minimum wage will also be reset to $13.50 per hour. More than $1.4 million is allocated for investment in maintenance, repair, capital projects and facilities enhancements through the general fund.

 

The board was briefed on compliance reporting for the university’s tax-exempt financing and approved deferred maintenance and capital funding priorities for UCM’s FY 2026 Capital Appropriations Request to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD). Furthermore, the board strengthened the Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination.

 

The session also featured staff reports and a celebration of the contributions of university personnel. Emeritus status was conferred on four distinguished individuals for their dedicated service: Ms. Paula Brant, program manager (August 14, 2003 – May 31, 2024); Ms. Patricia Cary, library assistant V (June 1, 2007 – May 31, 2024); Dr. Robert Fernquist, faculty department chair (August 18, 1997 – May 31, 2024); Mr. Gregory Nelson, grounds manager (September 13, 1999 – May 31, 2024); and Mr. Robert Jackson, athletic promotions coordinator (January 9, 1999 – June 30, 2024).