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The University of Central Missouri transforms students into lifelong learners, dedicated to service, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed and lead in the region, state, nation and world. Our 1,561-acre main campus is located in Warrensburg, with our extended campus, UCM-Lee’s Summit, located at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit, Mo. UCM offers 150 programs of baccalaureate and master’s degree study with outstanding, experienced faculty, and opportunity for study around the world.

Roger Best, Ph.D. was appointed President of the University of Central Missouri, effective Nov. 5, 2018. Known for his strong business acumen, leadership ability and commitment to students, Best joined UCM in August 1995 as an assistant professor of finance, and climbed the faculty ranks to become a professor in 2005. He was named Chair of the Department of Economics and Finance in 2003; Associate Dean of the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies in 2008; and college dean in 2010. Former President Chuck Ambrose named Best Interim Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration in August 2017, and he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer following administrative restructuring in January 2018.

Founded in 1871 as a state normal school charged to train teachers, UCM has grown into a comprehensive state university with a diverse population of students. Throughout its evolution as Central Missouri State Teachers College, Central Missouri State College and Central Missouri State University, UCM has responded to the needs of modern society by providing graduates who are prepared in a variety of fields to become productive members of society.

The University of Central Missouri Board of Governors is made up of eight members appointed by the Governor of Missouri.