The Missouri State University Board of Governors has given President Clifton M. “Clif” Smart III high marks on his annual performance evaluation.

Smart presented his self-assessment to the Board in an executive session at its June meeting. The Board then completed 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; and personal characteristics and values.

The Board completed its evaluation in executive session as part of its annual summer retreat.

“Members of the Board of Governors independently evaluated President Smart, but were consistent in their agreement that his performance was extraordinary,” said Board Chair Virginia Fry. “The evaluation results reflect the Board’s confidence that President Smart is the right person to lead the university through the challenges ahead.”

Smart asked that he not receive a salary increase, since the university was not able to offer an across the board increase for faculty and staff. The board respected his wishes regarding his salary; however, in recognition of his continued strong performance, they accelerated the vesting schedule of his deferred compensation plan.

“I am gratified by the Board’s support,” Smart said. “Together, we have accomplished some great things at the university in the last six years. I look forward to working with the Board, our leadership team, and faculty, staff, and students to build on this good work for many years to come.”

Smart joined Missouri State as general counsel on Dec. 1, 2007, after a successful 20-year legal career. He was named interim president June 27, 2011, and became the 11th president of Missouri State on Oct. 16, 2012.

The Missouri Open Meetings, Open Records Law, also known as the Sunshine Law, requires that personnel decisions made in executive session be reported within 72 hours.