Legislative Freshman Tour Witnessed Insights From University Of Central Missouri
Faculty, staff and students at the University of Central Missouri shared insights into the institution where they live, work and learn when they welcomed to campus on Dec. 6 participants in the Legislative Freshman Tour.
Approximately 50 recently elected officials participated in the event. Their campus visit began with a stop at Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport, where they were welcomed by UCM President Roger Best, and heard remarks about airport programs and development by Matthew Furedy, chair of the Department of Aviation, and Dan Dietz, airport manager. They also heard from three aviation students who are participating in the professional pilot program.
From the airport, the group traveled to the main campus in Warrensburg. When the buses arrived on Union Street to visit the Military and Veterans Success Center, they were greeted by a brief performance by several students from the university’s marching band. Inside the Elliott Student Union, Courtney Swoboda, director of Military and Veterans Services, shared information about different ways UCM assists active duty military personnel, veterans and dependents. Her comments were followed by an introduction to the university Mule Rider team by Travis Hume, director of University Farms, and an opportunity for photographs with the live mule mascot, Tammy, also known as “Mancow.” The entire legislative group, along with representatives of the Missouri Highway Patrol, gathered around the mule ridden by UCM student Holly Hagood for a large group photo. Some of them even seized the opportunity to climb in the saddle for photos flanked by Haygood, and Mule Riders Emma Lock and Nate Frazee. Members of the Collegiate Farm Bureau were also there to greet legislators.
Student members of the UCM Marching Mules greeted Missouri legislators with a live performance as the newly elected officials stepped off two buses that brought them to the Elliott Student Union during the Legislative Freshman Tour.
Dean Plocher, a Republican and lifelong resident of St. Louis County who has represented the 89th Legislative District since 2016, also joined the group. Currently the House Majority Leader, he becomes Speaker of the House in January 2023.
Plocher said every two years the state elects 163 members to the House and every four years 34 members are elected to the Senate. The Freshman Tour is an opportunity for new representatives to go outside their districts to learn more about the state in which they serve.
“It is important for them, when they come and serve in the legislature, to understand what Missouri does around the state,” he said. “We have a broad array of different industries, agriculture, and different types of public universities around the state, and Missouri has a very diverse economy. It changes when you get to the Bootheel all the way to the Northwest.”
Plocher added that the Freshman Tour gives participants a better look at what the state has to offer, including the area of education. Commenting shortly after visiting the airport, he spoke about the “great work” UCM is doing in the area of aviation, noting the program’s high job placement rate, and the ability for students to graduate from the program with less debt than may be incurred at other aviation programs. This is important for legislators to know.
“We’re trying to amplify what we are doing in Missouri appropriately using our tax dollars to benefit Missourians and educating those incoming freshman (legislators) on what Missouri does,” he said. ”We have a $50 billion budget, and we have to be very responsible and make sure we are putting it to the best use.”
Plocher noted that the tour is also a good way for new legislators to begin to form relationships with other people who serve the state. This includes those who sit across the aisle.
“You serve alongside both parties, and essentially we have eight-year term limits, so often you are serving for eight years,” Plocher said. “So, it’s good to get to know who you are working with, who you trust, and how you can work together, because I think communication is key to passing legislation.”
After beginning the day in Kansas City, the tour’s next community stop was Columbia. The group’s busy agenda included a visit the University of Missouri-Columbia’s nuclear reactor.
UCM Director for Governmental Relations David Pearce, whose career includes service on the Missouri Senate and in the House, also joined the group on the tour. He knows firsthand the value of such an event.
“As a participant in the Freshmen Tour 20 years ago when first elected, I know the importance of seeing any of the state’s assets,” Pearce said. “I am so glad the new legislators got a chance to see the great things happening at UCM.’