By Janice Phelan,
June 25, 2024

Members of the CBHE toured the Missouri Innovation Campus, including a stop in the
Extended Reality Studio.
LEE鈥橲 SUMMIT, MO - The 欧美视频 (UCM) hosted the Missouri Coordinating
Board of Higher Education (CBHE) at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee鈥檚 Summit.
鈥淯CM was chosen from seven other universities that applied to host their annual work
session,鈥 said David Pearce, UCM鈥檚 executive director for governmental relations.
鈥淚t was quite an honor for UCM to be chosen to host the CBHE meeting.鈥
The state board met on the UCM MIC campus for two half-day sessions. Members also
made time for a tour of the unique Missouri Innovation Campus including stops at the
Center for Workforce and Professional Education, the School of Nursing and its simulations center, as well as UCM's cutting-edge Extended Reality Studio which offers both virtual and augmented reality.
鈥淭丑别 MIC was chosen for the CBHE work session due to our commitment to Workforce Development,
and our ability to work with the local school district, community college and business
community,鈥 he added.
In addition to the campus tour and work session, the board participated in a reception
with local community members and a public session. During UCM President Roger Best鈥檚
welcome remarks to the CBHE members, he discussed the one-of-a-kind Missouri Innovation
Campus (MIC) program, a collaboration among UCM, the Lee鈥檚 Summit R-7 School District,
Metropolitan Community College and leading area businesses. He also shared information
about MIC undergraduate programs, graduate and certificate programs and the student
population.
鈥淯CM鈥檚 selection for the annual work session demonstrates the Missouri Department
of Higher Education and Workforce Development鈥檚 recognition of the importance of the
UCM campus mission,鈥 Pearce said.
鈥淭丑别y could see the cooperation with our school partners and business community,鈥
he added. 鈥淎t the same time, they could see the state-of-the art facilities and how
they offer so much for our students.鈥
The nine-member CBHE oversees the state鈥檚 Department of Higher Education and Workforce
Development. This was the first time the board has met at the Missouri Innovation
Campus, and the first time in more than 20 years that the CBHE has met at UCM. Typically,
the board meets seven times annually in Jefferson City with its annual work session
taking place on a Missouri college or university campus. UCM offers classes at campuses in Warrensburg and Lee's Summit, as well as online.