MDHEWD and CBHE convene at University of Missouri to advance workforce and AI initiatives

The Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE), which guides the work of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), held its June meeting at the University of Missouri in Columbia. The agenda centered on Workforce Pell implementation and initiatives outlined in Governor Mike Kehoe's Executive Order 26 02, which aims to prepare Missouri's education and workforce systems for an AI driven economy.

University of Missouri President Dr. Mun Choi provided an overview of the University of Missouri System, which includes the University of Missouri (MU), Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), and the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Dr. Choi highlighted enrollment trends, graduation rates, and the system's economic impact, including key research partnerships that support economic development and advancements in medical science and critical minerals.

"We sincerely appreciate the University of Missouri's hospitality in hosting the CBHE this week," said Allen Brooks, CBHE Vice-Chair. "MU continues to be a driving force for Missouri's economic vitality, delivering innovation, research breakthroughs, and talent that strengthens our state's future."

The board also heard from a panel of MU representatives who discussed the role of research and innovation in advancing economic development. The panel highlighted work in geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence, nanomedicine, micro- and nanoplastics, regenerative agriculture, and the Missouri Prevention Science Institute's approach to improving youth mental health.

"Missouri has the opportunity to build responsive, future-focused education and training pathways," said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of MDHEWD. "The University of Missouri demonstrates the value of institutions partnering with employers to ensure students receive the education, training, and experiences needed to address the state's unique challenges."

MDHEWD staff provided an update on the state's preparations for implementing the federal Workforce Pell program by July 1. Staff also outlined next steps related to Executive Order 26-02, including strategies to expand Missouri's AI talent pipeline and information on the growing demand for AI-related skills across industries.

The board additionally received updates on:

• The conclusion of the 2026 legislative session and key policy outcomes affecting higher education and workforce development.
• The status of state student financial aid programs.
• Planning for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and initial development of the Fiscal Year 2028 budget.

More information about the CBHE meeting, including meeting materials presented, can be found on the MDHEWD website. Photos from the meeting are available on the MDHEWD Flickr page.