Missouri Western President Advocates for Funding at Great Northwest Days

Kennedy seeks $4 million more in state appropriations for the university

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Missouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy traveled to Jefferson City with a group of community leaders to take part in Great Northwest Days, an annual event where university representatives advocate for funding with state legislators. Kennedy is requesting an additional $4 million in state appropriations, citing Missouri Western as the second-lowest funded public university in the state despite its growing enrollment and efficiency efforts.

Why it matters

As state budgets remain tight, public universities like Missouri Western must make a strong case for increased funding to maintain operations and provide quality education to students. Kennedy's advocacy efforts during Great Northwest Days aim to secure critical resources for the university to continue serving its community.

The details

During the event, Kennedy met with Representative Chris Brown, the chair of the House Higher Education Committee, to 'tell our story and educate people' about Missouri Western's funding needs. Despite the state's budget constraints, Kennedy believes the university has demonstrated its worth and efficiency, making a compelling case for the $4 million investment.

  • Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy traveled to Jefferson City last week to take part in Great Northwest Days.
  • Kennedy has been advocating for the $4 million in additional state appropriations for the past two years, including presentations at the Public Affairs Coffee event.

The players

Elizabeth Kennedy

The president of Missouri Western State University, who is advocating for increased state funding for the university.

Representative Chris Brown

The chair of the House Higher Education Committee in Missouri, who met with Kennedy during Great Northwest Days.

Missouri Western State University

A public university in Missouri that is the second-lowest funded public university in the state, despite growing enrollment and efficiency efforts.

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What they’re saying

“I have talked about this for two years now, presented it at the Public Affairs Coffee and those kinds of things, but here's why we need the four million, first of all we are the second lowest funded public university in the state of Missouri, not necessarily the lowest enrolled, but the second lowest.”

— Elizabeth Kennedy, President, Missouri Western State University (KFEQ)

“And I think the realities are, as we've all heard, it's a tight budget, we know that, but I think we've demonstrated we've done everything the state has asked of higher education in this state, and I think we have a very good story and can demonstrate that we're worth the investment.”

— Elizabeth Kennedy, President, Missouri Western State University (KFEQ)

What’s next

Kennedy and Missouri Western will continue to advocate for the $4 million in additional state appropriations as the state legislature considers the university's funding request.

The takeaway

Missouri Western's funding challenges highlight the ongoing struggle for public universities to secure adequate state support, even as they work to improve efficiency and serve their communities. Kennedy's advocacy efforts during Great Northwest Days aim to make a compelling case for increased investment in the university's future.