The Missouri State University Board of Governors once again noted President Clifton M. “Clif” Smart III’s outstanding performance and leadership as president of Missouri State in fiscal year 2023.
Smart presented his self-assessment to the board in an executive session at its June meeting.
The board began the process via an electronic survey that evaluated Smart in nine major categories:
- Strategic leadership.
- Educational leadership.
- Organizational management.
- Financial management.
- Fundraising.
- External relations.
- Internal relations.
- Board and governance relations.
- Personal characteristics and values.
The board completed its evaluation on Aug. 4 as part of its regular board meeting. Wrapping his 12th year as president, Smart again demonstrated strong management and leadership skills as the university completed another successful year.
“President Smart and his team overachieved with the implementation of the academic realignment plan in a 12-month period, along with a significant rebound in enrollment when other colleges continue to decline post-pandemic,” said board Chair Chris Waters.
Smart’s contract
Smart will receive a 5% raise, the same increase that was given to all full-time employees. This will bring his base salary to $427,409. He will also receive a $25,000 retention bonus on Dec. 31, 2023.
Full-time employees working at the university on July 1, 2023, will receive a retention bonus of $1,500 at that time, as well.
Smart received a $50,000 cash retention bonus on June 30, 2023, as agreed in an earlier contract adjustment. Given his exceptional performance over the last several years, last year the board also increased his annual cash retention bonus to $75,000 starting June 30, 2024.
“It was a banner year that included the very successful academic realignment, substantial gains in enrollment, continued strong levels of capital funding and appropriations at both the state and federal levels, and concluding our Onward/Upward campaign, reaching a record $274 million,” said Smart.
“I appreciate the board’s recognition of the work that positions the university for future success.”
Smart’s contract continues through June 30, 2026.