I want to thank you for coming today. I am resigning as president of the University of Missouri System today. The motivation in making this decision comes from love. I love MU, Columbia where I grew up, and the State of Missouri. I’ve thought and prayed about this decision; it’s the right thing to do. The response to this announcement, I’m sure, ranges from joy for some to anger for others, and that’s why we’re here today.
Let me speak to why this is so important at this time. To our students, from Concerned Students 1950 to our grad students, football players and other students, the frustration and anger that I see is clear, real and I don’t doubt it for a second. For faculty and staff who expressed their anger and frustration; it too is real. To my friends and my supporters who have been so gracious and have sent so many emails, texts and calls of support I understand that you might be frustrated as well.
So the question really is “Why did we get to this very difficult situation?” It is my belief, we stopped listening to each other. We didn’t respond or react. We got frustrated with each other. And we forced individuals like Jonathan Butler to take immediate action or unusual steps to affect change. This is not, I repeat, not the way change should come about.
Change comes from listening, learning, caring, and conversation. We have to respect each other enough to stop yelling at each other and start listening. Quit intimidating each other through either our role or whatever means that we decide to use. Unfortunately, this has not happened. That is why I stand before you today. I take full responsibility for this frustration and I take full responsibility for the inaction that has occurred.
I’d ask everybody – the students, the faculty, the staff and my friends – everybody, use my resignation to heal and start talking again. To make the changes necessary and let’s focus on changing what we can change today and in the future – not what we can’t change which is what happened in the past.
I truly love everybody here in this great institution and my decision to resign comes out of love not hate.
I’d like to read some scripture that’s given me strength. I hope that it provides you with some strength as well as we think about what’s next. I have to also give credit to my daughter for reminding me of this scripture.
Psalm 46: 1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
We need to use my resignation; please, please use this resignation to heal, not to hate and move forward together for a brighter tomorrow.
God bless all of you and I thank you for this wonderful opportunity to lead the University of Missouri System.