Legislators from affiliations across the political spectrum are banding together to form a UM System caucus in Jefferson City with the purpose of representing the university and its students.
“It’s a group of people that all have a common bond: the University of Missouri System,” State House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, said. “We can sit down, visit and try to figure out ways we can promote the System. We can help them from a legislative standpoint.”
Tilley and Senate President Pro-Tem Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, are chairing the caucus. Mayer was on the road at the time of publishing and was therefore unable to comment on the caucus.
UM System Vice President for Government Relations Steve Knorr revealed the caucus’ formation at the Jan. 27 Board of Curators meeting at MU.
“The goal of the caucus is to promote the multi-faceted impact the University of Missouri has on Missourians including educating our citizens, state-of-the-art research and the significant economic development opportunities,” Knorr said.
The caucus consists of alumni of the university from both the Senate and the House. At its inaugural meeting Feb. 17, nearly 90 legislators expressed their interest in participating. Sixty-five Missouri legislators are graduates of the UM System.
Some of the lawmakers involved might not have attended a system university themselves, but instead have a campus in their legislative district or have children who attend a campus.
Many members of the caucus made up the 500 alumni and supporters of the System who attended the UM Legislative Day on Thursday. The event preached the significance of the System, much like the caucus will.
When issues such as the voting student curator arise in Missouri legislature, the caucus will serve as an outlet to inform all involved parties of the system’s best interests.
“If there’s an issue that the University of Missouri System is advocating, then we can bring it up within the caucus, discuss it and figure out ways that we can help facilitate its passage,” Tilley said. “Anything that relates to the university is a good topic for discussion. It’s a good way to see where people stand on issues like these.”
This isn’t the only potential benefit of the caucus, Tilley said.
“In addition to that, it’s a great public relations strategy,” Tilley said. “You’ve got a group of successful people, who all have had great experiences with the University of Missouri System. We’re always available to help with PR or anything that the university might need.”
At the inaugural meeting, men’s basketball coach Mike Anderson and MU Athletic Director Mike Alden were in attendance, both displaying their commitment to the university.
Tilley said his loyalty to the System wouldn’t have been as strong if he didn’t have such an excellent time attending UM — St. Louis.
“It was not just a great experience, but also a life-changing one,” Tilley said. “Without becoming a doctor, I probably wouldn’t have been elected to the House and certainly not as the Speaker. It’s had a pretty big impact on my life.”
Like Tilley, the other members of the caucus all want to give back to the System.
“It’s just a group of people who have had a great, fond experience with the System and want to give back,” Tilley said.