Stephen J. Owens Communications

Interim President: Jan. 7, 2011 - Feb. 14, 2012
Stephen J. Owens was appointed interim president by the board of curators Jan. 7, 2011 following the resignation of University of Missouri System President Gary D. Forsee.   Owens, who served as the university's general counsel, provided leadership for the university system until President Timothy M. Wolfe began his term Feb. 15, 2012.   Owens returned to serving as acting general counsel on Feb. 15, 2012.   

• E-Newsletter: Feb. 7, 2012
• State of the University Report: Feb. 3, 2012 
  • In this address, Interim President Owens delivers the University of Missouri System’s annual State of the University Report. The report reviews highlights from the previous year and looks at the university’s future, among other things. The 2012 report discusses the University of Missouri’s continued good stewardship, including keeping administrative costs significantly below the national average while maintaining excellent quality.  Click here to view a video recording of the report.   This recording of the State of the University Report was filmed at the Board of Curators meeting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Transcript (PDF)
• Testimony to state house appropriations education committee: Feb. 1, 2012
  • In testimony at the state capitol in Jefferson City, Interim President Owens informs legislators about the university's impact on the state and the effect proposed cuts will have on the University of Missouri. Owens also outlines ongoing efforts to reduce costs and keep higher education affordable for Missouri families.   Click here to download supporting slides.  These slides, shown to legislators, highlight the University of Missouri’s statewide impact and include information from a survey indicating that 85 percent of Missourians agree that the University of Missouri is the state’s greatest asset.
• Systemwide Communication: Jan. 19, 2012 
• Missouri S&T Chancellor Announcement: Jan. 19, 2012
  • Interim President Owens provides remarks during the announcement of Cheryl Schrader as the next chancellor of the Missouri University of Science and Technology, including a tribute to Interim Chancellor W. Kent Wray.   News Release
• Statement from University of Missouri System Interim President Steve Owens: Jan. 18, 2012
• E-Newsletter: Jan. 17, 2012
• Missouri S&T Commencement: Dec. 17, 2011
  • Interim President Owens speaks to the December 2011 graduating class of Missouri University of Science and Technology. His address highlights the history of the Rolla campus and the University of Missouri System. This commencement also touches upon the theme of embracing change and finding reasoned and principled compromises in an increasingly polarized world.
• Systemwide Communication: Dec. 13, 2012
• Systemwide Communication: Dec. 12, 2012
• Board of Curators Report: Dec. 8, 2011
  • On the eve of the 150^th anniversary of the Morrill Land Grant Act, Interim President Owens provides a historic perspective on changes in higher education, including the university's efforts to advance the communities across the state. Also included is a discussion of changing funding models for higher education.
• Systemwide Communication: Nov. 11, 2011
• Board of Curators Report: Oct. 21, 2011
  • How do the arts enhance a university, a community and a state? They do so in meaningful ways, both perceptible and sometimes imperceptible. In remarks to the Board of Curators, Interim President Owens gives a snapshot of the University of Missouri’s aggregate impact on arts and culture in the state. Also included is a discussion of the value arts education brings to the system’s four university campuses. 
• Systemwide Communication: Oct. 20, 2011
• University of Missouri Board of Curators statements on athletic conference affiliation: Oct. 5, 2011
• E-Newsletter: Sept. 28, 2011
• Systemwide Communication: Aug. 1, 2011
• E-Newsletter: July 11, 2011
• Systemwide Communication: June 30, 2011
• Systemwide Communication: June 29, 2011
• Board of Curators Report: June 17, 2011
  • From jobs created at our research parks to the millions of dollars in state tax revenue generated by our employees, every dollar invested in the University of Missouri provides rich returns for the State of Missouri. In remarks to the Board of Curators, Interim President Owens discusses the value of the University of Missouri — both in terms of dollars and the intrinsic rewards that come with learning.
• Statement from University of Missouri System Interim President Stephen J. Owens regarding Gov. Nixon’s budget announcement: June 10, 2011
• President's Staff Award: May 25, 2011
  • Interim President Owens recognizes Janet Sapp as the winner of the 2011 Presidential Award. Janet serves as secretary to the Vice President of Governmental Relations.
• MU Honors Convocation: May 14, 2011
  • You never know where the road of life will ultimately take you, but having the ability to navigate life’s twists and turns with critical thinking skills and the confidence that comes with a college degree helps. In this speech, Interim President Owens congratulates May 2011 honors graduates at the University of Missouri-Columbia and encourages them to enjoy the ride on life’s winding road.
• E-Newsletter: April 8, 2011
• Board of Curators Report: Mar. 22, 2011
  • Interim President Owens outlines the University of Missouri’s efforts to increase the number of students pursuing a “STEM” degree — one in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. These remarks also cover progress on key initiatives, such as finding efficiencies in shared services, expanding eLearning and revising the university’s retirement plan.
• Board of Curators Closing Remarks: Mar. 22, 2011
  • At the conclusion of the March Board of Curators meeting, Interim President Owens recognized Missouri University of Science and Technology Chancellor Jack Carney, who announced he would retire in the summer of 2011. Under Carney’s leadership, the Rolla campus was catapulted to the ranks of the nation’s top technological institutions.
• E-Newsletter: Feb. 22, 2011 Testimony to State House and Senate Committees: Feb. 16-17, 2011
  • During the past decade, state support for the University of Missouri has declined while the system has added 17,000 students to its annual enrollment. Interim President Owens discusses the impact of this declining support in testimony to legislators.  Click here to download supporting slides.
• Board of Curators Report: Jan. 28, 2011
  • Interim President Owens discusses the autonomy provided to the board of curators by Missouri's constitution and the historic support Missourians have provided to the University of Missouri. Owens raises the question of whether this legacy is at risk as state appropriations continue to slide, creating ever-increasing funding gaps.
• Statement from the University of Missouri System regarding today’s higher education discussion with Gov. Nixon: Jan. 12, 2011
• Board of Curators Closing Remarks: Jan. 7, 2011
  • At this special meeting, recently appointed Interim President Owens lays out his plan for the University of Missouri System. Owens promises to continue the university’s strategic initiatives, which reflect the university’s core values.
• Board of Curators Press Conference: Jan. 7, 2011
  • This announcement was made after the resignation of President Gary Forsee and the appointment of Interim President Stephen Owens. Board Chair Warren Erdman and Owens address how the University of Missouri will move forward and continue along the strategic path outlined by Forsee.
• Board of Curators Report: Dec. 10, 2010
  • Acting President Owens thanks outgoing curators and others at this year-end Board of Curators meeting. Owens also informs the Board about the progress general officers are making on strategic initiatives.