JEFFERSON CITY — It is always a surprise to be recognized for simply doing the work that constituents sent me to do. This concept was especially true when I learned that I was to be honored as a 2012 recipient of the Henry S. Geyer award, a prestigious award given to recognize public officials and citizens who make a positive impact on higher education, especially the University of Missouri – Columbia.

The Geyer Award, named for a former state representative who filed the bill to establish the University of Missouri in 1839, is typically given to one lawmaker and one citizen or group of citizens each year based on their commitment to the spirit of Henry S. Geyer.

During my time in the Missouri Senate to date, I have continued to support our state’s students and institutes of higher learning, including Mizzou. During the 2012 session, I handled House Bill 1042 in the Senate, a higher education bill creating a core library of 25 courses that transfers between public two- and four-year schools, setting up a process for reverse transfer and requiring schools to utilize best remediation practices. This bill became law last August.

I have been an advocate for education since I have been in the Capitol. I am honored to serve as chair for both the Senate Committee on Education and the Joint Committee on Education. My colleagues and I serving on the joint committee are in the final stages of developing a funding formula for public higher education institutions that will enable schools to continually provide the best possible services for their students. Joining 30 other states in reviewing the potential of performance funding, the committee has spent the last few months hearing public testimony researching ways to develop a funding formula. To see the current version of the formula, along with related documentation, please visit the Joint Committee on Education’s website, www.senate.mo.gov/jced.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mizzou Alumni Association’s Legislative Network Committee for considering me for this honor. I do not fight for better education for Missouri’s students in order to be recognized for the work. I remain dedicated to raising the level of Missouri’s education, both K-12 and higher education, in order to best serve our state’s tomorrows.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.