Gov. Parson Makes Final Visit to UCM Campus as 57th Governor

From left, University of Central Missouri (UCM) Board of Governors President John Collier, Gov. Mike Parson and UCM President Roger Best pose
for a photo in the Ward Edwards Building. Parson is holding a proclamation presented by UCM in recognition of his support of the university and
higher education in Missouri during his time as the 57th governor of Missouri.

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) welcomed Gov. Mike Parson to the Warrensburg campus for a visit on Thursday, Nov. 21.

UCM President Roger Best, members of the Board of Governors and other university officials met with the governor and joined him for various parts of his campus tour. The UCM pep band greeted Parson before he entered the Wood Building to visit a class taught by Henry Wambuii, Ph.D., professor of Comparative Politics and International Relations. There, he spoke to students about his time in public office and answered a few questions from the class.

Parson also received his final update on campus capital improvement projects and got a firsthand look at the progress of the Humphreys Building renovation project as he traveled across campus. 

A trip to UCM isn’t complete without incorporating some Mules and Jennies spirit, and Molly, the university’s live mule mascot, greeted the governor outside the Ward Edwards Building. Best then took Parson to stop by the Forbes Center, where he visited with James Cicon, Ph.D., associate professor of Finance, and his class. 

In the Ward Edwards atrium, UCM Mules Football head coach Josh Lamberson presented the governor with a Mules jersey, while Best gifted Mo the Mule ornaments for the Christmas trees at the Governor’s Mansion. Best and Board of Governors President John Collier also presented Parson with a proclamation in recognition of his support of UCM and higher education during his time as the 57th governor of Missouri.

Parson ended his final official UCM visit with brief remarks to those gathered in the atrium, commending UCM for its commitment to investing in Missouri’s students.

Parson, who is term-limited, is serving his final months as Missouri’s governor. He previously served as lieutenant governor, a member of the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives, and sheriff of Polk County.