Recognizing Missouri State University President Clif Smart on His Retirement

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize President Clif Smart of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, as he retires following an outstanding career as the university's longest serving president dating back to 1961.

President Smart is the university's 11th president, and he is retiring after 13 years as the top official. During that time, the university achieved many notable milestones such as setting enrollment, retention, and graduation records, expanding academic offerings, raising more than $440 million in donations, and constructing or renovating dozens of buildings. More importantly, he accomplished all of this while raising tuition by less than inflation, allowing the university to be among the most affordable in the country.

President Smart graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science, and from the University of Arkansas School of Law with his Juris Doctorate Degree. He served his country in the U.S. Army before joining the private sector as an attorney. He subsequently became Missouri State's General Counsel, and then was appointed the university's interim president before receiving the nod to take over as president.

President Smart's visionary development of IDEA Commons transformed an abandoned industrial area into a thriving hub for economic development, innovation, and community engagement. His collaboration with the University of Missouri to offer engineering and pharmacy programs significantly addressed workforce shortages and strengthened the state's economic and educational landscapes. He also facilitated the university's recognition as a doctoral-granting institution. These are just a few of his many, many accomplishments.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to President Smart for his outstanding leadership at Missouri State University and his profound effect on the broader community. I also want to extend my best wishes for his retirement and future endeavors. I am proud that he is one of my constituents.

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