Boone County’s presiding commissioner is thrilled about the expected 18 percent increase in the size of this year’s freshmen class at Mizzou.
Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick, a Mizzou graduate, spoke to 939 the Eagle at Wednesday’s Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) board meeting at Mizzou’s Memorial Union. Mr. Kendrick says it’s exciting to see Mizzou doing as well as they are:
“At a point in time where higher education institutions are really fighting for enrollment right. We’re getting closer to that dip where the lowest rate of high school graduates in several decades,” Kendrick says.
Mizzou officials briefed REDI board members, elected officials and business leaders at the meeting, saying they expect 6,000 freshmen on the Mizzou campus this fall. That’s an 18 percent increase. UM System president Dr. Mun Choi tells 939 the Eagle that Mizzou will see 1,050 more freshmen this year over last year. President Choi credits several factors for the increase, including Mizzou’s affordability and Mizzou football’s success.
Commissioner Kendrick predicted an enrollment increase at Mizzou when the Tigers played and beat Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Commissioner Kip Kendrick’s prediction was accurate, and he tells 939 the Eagle he’s thrilled:
“And it’s exciting you know at a time when our football team is ranked number 11 coming into this football season, but why stop now, right. That’s their motto, improve each and every day. And I know that’s the University of Missouri’s and (UM System President Dr. Mun) President Choi’s motto as well, right. Improve every single day you get the opportunity to do so,” says Commissioner Kendrick.
The University of Missouri is the largest employer in Columbia/Boone County, by far. It has 9,732 employees, according to 2024 REDI numbers. Commissioner Kendrick says Mizzou provides a largest economic benefit to the entire mid-Missouri region, and also educates the next generation of business leaders and community leaders across Missouri.
