Colleagues:
When I first came to Missouri over 23 years ago, I knew little about the state’s beautiful terrain, its rich history within the heartland of America, or the diversity of our public, independent, and proprietary institutions.
Coming to work for the CBHE in an entry level position as a research associate was a place to hang my hat. Quite frankly, after retiring as a professor emeritus from the University of Northern Colorado in the 1980s, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to remain working in higher education.
Little did I realize that I would continually be given increased responsibilities at the MDHE, and eventually be given the privilege to serve as the state’s commissioner of higher education.
These years have been filled with excitement, challenge, passion for my work, and most of all an opportunity to grow and learn. I have cherished my time with colleagues throughout the state working collaboratively to better serve Missouri citizens and those from other states and nations who pursue higher education at one of our fine institutions.
I consider myself fortunate to have developed many friendships and professional relationships during my time in Missouri and will carry these with me as Ellen and I pursue the next chapters in our lives. While difficult times lie ahead, I am confident that Missouri’s higher education system will thrive due to the leadership, vision, and commitment of the CBHE members, MDHE staff, presidents/chancellors, elected officials, community leaders, and interim commissioner David Russell.
A major priority I have pursued throughout my career has been to engage in difficult dialogues bringing adversaries to the same table while seeking to find common ground and to work persistently to move forward on key state agendas. I hope I have left strong roots for this tradition that will continue to be nurtured and grow.
I wish all of you much success as you strive for innovative solutions and creative system redesign to meet the challenges associated with limited resources and technological change.
As many of you know, Ellen and I will decide in the months ahead the priorities for our longer plan including where we will live, play, and work. For the immediate future my contact information is:
Robert B. Stein
PO BOX 640
Lake Villa, IL 60046
Phone 573 797-9236
Email: B4Stein@hotmail.com
I hope our paths will cross often.
Wishing all of you the very best,
Stein Farewell LetterRobert
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