/news-rss MO.gov News Feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:29:36 +0000 en-us https://www.modot.org/node/84840 84840 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:00:01 +0000 Route 114 in Stoddard County Reduced for Shoulder Work Visitor (not verified) Thu, 03/12/2026 - 13:00 SIKESTON―Route 114 in Stoddard County will be reduced as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform shoulder work.   This section of roadway is located from Route 60 to Route FF near Essex, Missouri.  Weather permitting, work will take place Friday, March 13 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.    The work zone will be marked with signs.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.    ###  facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Thu, 03/12/2026 - 07:54 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 https://www.modot.org/node/84839 84839 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:40:02 +0000 MoDOT Hosts Public Meeting on March 25 for I-270 Corridor Upgrades Project Visitor (not verified) Thu, 03/12/2026 - 12:40 ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has scheduled an open-house style public meeting for its I-270 Corridor Upgrades project. The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 25 from 4-6 p.m. at St. Louis Community College (Florissant Valley), 900 Archer Dr., 63135 in the multi-purpose room of the Health and Sciences Bldg. The meeting will focus on a three-mile section of I-270 in north St. Louis County, with projects that were not included in either the I-270 North Project or the Chain of Rocks Bridge rebuild.  Planned improvements include the rehabilitation or replacement of several bridges, the expansion of lanes on I-270, resurfacing, and signal and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) improvements at the Lilac and Bellefontaine interchanges. Attendees can stop by at any time during the meeting to view project plans and speak with I-270 team members. A formal presentation is not scheduled.  Attendees will also have an opportunity to provide feedback on the project by completing a comment form while at the meeting or online at Interstate 270 Corridor Upgrades in St. Louis County | Missouri Department of Transportation. The comment form will be available March 26 through April 8.  Access for people with disabilities is available. People with disabilities who require special services at the public meeting should notify Senior Communications Specialist Charlene Goston by March 18 at 314-624-3765 so that arrangements for those services can be made.  For further information on the I-270 project, visit Interstate 270 Corridor Upgrades in St. Louis County | Missouri Department of Transportation. Districts Involved St. Louis Published On Thu, 03/12/2026 - 07:36 Charlene Goston Senior Communications Specialist St. Louis District Email: slcommunications@modot.mo.govPhone: (314) 624-3765 https://www.modot.org/node/84838 84838 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:20:02 +0000 MoDOT: Forward 44: Joplin Improvements Project in Joplin, Focus of Public Meeting Thursday, March 26 regan.mitchell Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:20 Project Forward 44: Joplin Improvements Joplin, Newton County – Those interested in the Forward 44: Joplin Improvements Project in Joplin are invited to a public meeting on Thursday, March 26, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. The come-and-go style meeting will be held 4:30 – 6 p.m., Thursday, March 26, at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 E 20th St, Joplin. No formal presentation is planned. Those who attend may come at any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to learn about the project, ask questions, and leave comments. Those unable to attend the in-person meeting can view exhibits and obtain project information at https://www.modot.org/forward44. Comments on this project can be mailed in, emailed, or submitted online through the project website until Thursday, April 9. MoDOT is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Southwest District Communications at 417.895.7600 by March 19. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback. This work is part of a larger effort to study and bring improvements to I-44. For the latest on work happening along the corridor, visit the Forward 44 website: Forward 44 | Missouri Department of Transportation. Project Summary: Replace pavement and widen I-44 to 6 lanes between Missouri Route 43 (Main Street) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road) Additional lanes will be installed in the median The City of Joplin will install a new culvert under I-44 at Spring Creek Traffic Impacts: Narrowed lanes, traffic shifts on I-44 I-44 will maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction, except for short-duration closures during nighttime hours I-44 ramp closures During higher traffic volume, drivers can expect delays Drivers urged to use alternate routes during construction to avoid the work zone Electronic message boards and news releases will notify the public of traffic impacts Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closures/traffic impacts Proposed construction is scheduled for Spring 2027. The estimated project cost is $25.1 million. The proposed project is scheduled for completion Winter 2028. END For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Thu, 03/12/2026 - 06:17 Regan Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District Missouri Department of Transportation 3025 East Kearney, Springfield, MO 65803 Phone: (417) 895-7600 Email: swcr@modot.mo.gov website: www.modot.org/sw https://www.modot.org/node/84836 84836 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:00:02 +0000 Chariton County Route KK Puzzle Creek Bridge now open Visitor (not verified) Thu, 03/12/2026 - 08:00 Northwest Bridge Bundle project ST. JOSEPH, Mo. –The Chariton County Route KK Puzzle Creek Bridge, near Keytesville, is now open following a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle project. The Capital – Horner & Shifrin team, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation through a design-build contract, reopened the bridge yesterday, Wednesday, March 11. The Northwest Bridge Bundle is a Design-Build project that is replacing or rehabilitating 31 poor-condition bridges in north central Missouri. The full list of bridges to be replaced can be found on the Northwest Bridge Bundle web page. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org. Get project and work zone news straight to your email by signing up for eUpdates. Information is also available 24/7 by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by connecting with us on social media. Facebook | X | Instagram   Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down ### Northwest Bridge Bundle web page Districts Involved Northwest Published On Thu, 03/12/2026 - 02:55 NW Customer Service Northwest District Email: nwcr@modot.mo.govPhone: 816-901-4529 https://www.modot.org/node/84835 84835 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:50:02 +0000 Conley Road at Business Loop 70 to close for roundabout construction Visitor (not verified) Thu, 03/12/2026 - 07:50 Closure to last 60 days Project Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The intersection of Conley Road and Business Loop 70 in Columbia is set to close starting at the end of March to build a roundabout. Local businesses will remain accessible, but through traffic will need to use an alternate route.  Starting on March 23, contractors working with the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to close Conley Road at the intersection with Business Loop 70 for 60 days. During the closure, the business entrances on either side of the intersection will remain open and accessible.  The roundabout is expected to be open to all traffic by the end of May.  When complete, the roundabout will provide a safer and more efficient intersection. Compared to a signalized intersection, roundabouts have fewer conflict points, which, along with slower speeds and calmer traffic, can translate into as much as 76 percent fewer crashes and fewer crash-related injuries.   All work is weather-permitting and subject to change.    MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.   This work is part of the first project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program, Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City, which will add a third lane of travel in each direction to the 20-mile stretch of I-70 between Columbia) and Kingdom City. This $405 million fixed-cost contract includes new pavement on all three lanes of I-70 and will also make interchange improvements to the I-70 interchanges at U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54.    Missouri’s FY2024 budget, approved through the state legislative process and governor, provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. For more information on the Improve I-70 Program and to sign up for program e-updates, visit http://www.modot.org/improvei70.  For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.  #ImproveI70  Follow MoDOT: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube  ### Districts Involved Central Published On Thu, 03/12/2026 - 02:47 Links to related information Project Webpage AJ Shurr Senior Communications Specialist Central District Email: cdcr@modot.mo.govPhone: (573) 522-5178 https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-signs-fy-2026-supplemental-budget-bill 16086 at https://governor.mo.gov Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:29:33 +0000 Governor Kehoe Signs FY 2026 Supplemental Budget Bill Gabrielle.Picard Wed, 03/11/2026 - 16:29 March 11, 2026 Jefferson City Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 supplemental budget bill, HB 2014, that was passed by the General Assembly last week. The bill allows for current operations of state government to continue through FY 2026. "This supplemental budget ensures that critical services continue uninterrupted for Missourians, while also providing important spending authority for public safety and disaster response," said Governor Kehoe. "I appreciate the members of the General Assembly in getting this bill to my desk."HB 2014 totals over $3.1 billion, including $516.8 million in general revenue, $1.9 billion in federal funds, and $670.3 million in other funds. The supplemental budget bill includes funding for several high priority areas:$180,000 for child physical abuse forensic examination claims$3.7 million to provide high-quality, specialized care for children and youth with intensive needs$10.4 million for employment services to assist individuals with physical or mental disabilities$73.8 million for World Cup Federal Grants, including $14.2 million for the counter-unmanned aircraft systems grant program$86 million for St. Louis Tornado Disaster Relief$132 million for HR 1 implementation$830 million for SEMA disaster spending authorityFor more information on HB 2014, click here. Governor Kehoe Signs FY 2026 Supplemental Budget Bill### https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-orders-flags-fly-half-staff-honor-butler-county-fire 16081 at https://governor.mo.gov Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:38:24 +0000 Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Butler County Fire Protection District Shift Commander Jackson Warren Gabrielle.Picard Wed, 03/11/2026 - 15:38 March 11, 2026 Jefferson City Today, in honor of Butler County Fire Protection District Shift Commander Jackson Warren, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Butler County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from sunrise to sunset.“At an early age, Jackson Warren committed his life to public service and answered the call to join the fire service, despite the risks and the sacrifices it required,” Governor Kehoe said. “For the last four and a half years, Shift Commander Warren bravely responded, at all hours, to fires, automobile collisions, and other emergencies in service to his community. Sadly, he died while responding to a call to help others. Claudia and I are keeping Jackson’s loved ones and the Butler County community in our prayers. Shift Commander Warren will be remembered for his selfless service to others and devotion to creating a safer community.”On the afternoon of Friday, March 6, Shift Commander Warren died when the brush truck he was driving responding to a grass fire crashed and overturned. Another firefighter who was injured was treated at a hospital and released.The flags will be held at half-staff on the day of Shift Commander Warren’s funeral. To view the Governor’s proclamation, please visit the link below.Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Butler County Fire Protection District Shift Commander Jackson Warren### https://www.modot.org/node/84772 84772 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:10:02 +0000 Route DD in Ste. Genevieve County Closed for Culvert Replacement Visitor (not verified) Wed, 03/11/2026 - 15:10 SIKESTON—Route DD in Ste. Genevieve County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.   This section of roadway is located from Gray Lane to Dry Fork Road.   Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, March 23 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.   The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.     ###    facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Wed, 03/11/2026 - 10:07 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 https://www.modot.org/node/84771 84771 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:02 +0000 MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound I-44 Traffic Shift in Springfield Begins Monday, March 23 regan.mitchell Wed, 03/11/2026 - 15:00 Project Forward 44: Springfield Improvements Where: Westbound I-44 traffic shifted to the north between Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and Glenstone Avenue in Springfield When: Monday, March 23 What: Contractor crews will begin to shift westbound I-44 traffic to the north at 8 p.m., Sunday night, March 22, as crews begin to work in the median of I-44 as part of the Forward 44: Interstate 44 Corridor Upgrades in Greene County project. The Glenstone Avenue on-ramp to westbound I-44 (Exit 80) will be CLOSED as part of this phase of the project. Traffic Impacts: Westbound I-44 traffic shifted to the north onto the right driving lane and the I-44 north shoulder between Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and Glenstone Avenue Westbound I-44 is Open to two 11-foot lanes Eastbound I-44 Open Glenstone Avenue on-ramp to westbound I-44 (Exit 80) CLOSED for an extended length of time for safety reasons Westbound I-44 off-ramp to Kansas Expressway (Exit 77) shortened Signed detour includes: Glenstone Avenue and Missouri Route 744 (Kearney Street) Drivers are urged to find alternate routes Signs and message boards will alert drivers to work zones and inform the public when there are reduced speeds and traffic delays Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closures/traffic impacts Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule. Project Summary: Widening I-44 to 6 lanes between Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and U.S. Route 65 Replace the following bridges carrying I-44 over city streets: Broadway Avenue Bridge Grant Avenue Bridge National Avenue Bridge Build a pedestrian underpass and trail improvements east of Grant Avenue Resurface I-44 between west of Missouri Route 266 (Chestnut Expressway) and U.S. Route 160 (West Bypass) Build a sound wall south of I-44 from the National Avenue bridge west, approximately 2,550 feet Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction LLC, Jefferson City The awarded construction cost is $70.7 million, including $13.4 million in General Revenue funds provided by the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office. To get project updates or sign up for project emails, visit https://www.modot.org/projects/forward-44-springfield-improvements. The project is scheduled for completion in May 2027. END For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Wed, 03/11/2026 - 09:58 Regan Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District Missouri Department of Transportation 3025 East Kearney, Springfield, MO 65803 Phone: (417) 895-7600 Email: swcr@modot.mo.gov website: www.modot.org/sw https://www.modot.org/node/84770 84770 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:50:01 +0000 MO Route 162 in New Madrid County Reduced for Edge Rut Repairs Visitor (not verified) Wed, 03/11/2026 - 14:50 SIKESTON – Route 162 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform edge rut repairs.     This section of roadway is located from Route 153 to Route B near Gideon, Missouri.   Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, March 16 through Thursday, March 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.    The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.    ###  facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast    Districts Involved Southeast Published On Wed, 03/11/2026 - 09:42 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 https://www.modot.org/node/84769 84769 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:10:01 +0000 Ramp and lane closures on U.S. 71 at Bannister Road for bridge replacement work. NOW - April 10 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 03/11/2026 - 14:10 REVISED: Project U.S. Route 71 Bridge Replacements over Bannister Road in Jackson County REVISED: JACKSON COUNTY- The Missouri Department of Transportation will be replacing bridges on U.S. Route 71 over Bannister Road (Route W). While safe to travel on, the bridges are reaching the end of their service life. All work is weather permitting. See below for traffic modifications: Sat., Feb. 28, (NOW) until Wed., March 25th Crews will close the northbound U.S. 71 ramp to Bannister Road. Crews will close the ramp from Bannister Road to southbound U.S. 71. Crews will close the two right lanes of southbound U.S. 71 at Bannister Road. Wed., March 25 at 9:00 p.m. until Fri.,, April 10 Crews will close the right lane on southbound U.S. 71 at Hickman Mills Drive to Bannister Road. Crews will close the right lane on northbound 71 at Bannister Road to Hickman Mills Drive. Crews will close the ramp from southbound 71 to Bannister Road. Crews will close the ramp from Bannister Road to northbound 71. This will be an ongoing project and will also include widening of U.S. 71 to develop an additional lane across the new bridges and to the north on U.S. 71 with the new lane ending just south of the Hickman Mills Drive interchange. The project will also improve pedestrian safety and connectivity along Bannister Rd. under U.S. 71. In addition, this project also involves the rehabilitation of culverts to the north and east of the U.S. 71 interchange. Visit the project page for additional information: U.S. Route 71 Bridge Replacements over Bannister Road in Jackson County | Missouri Department of Transportation Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris form the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org.kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Wed, 03/11/2026 - 09:07 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://www.modot.org/node/84768 84768 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:00:01 +0000 Correction: Worth County Route PP to close for multiple culvert replacements starting tomorrow Visitor (not verified) Wed, 03/11/2026 - 14:00 St. Joseph, Mo. – Crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation will close Worth County Route PP from U.S. Route 169 to Pebble Avenue, starting tomorrow, Thursday, March 12 to replace multiple culverts. Traffic Impacts: Route PP will be closed from U.S. Route 169 to Pebble Avenue, March 12, 13, and 16, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Motorists will need to find an alternate route during the closure. For updated roadway conditions, check the Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org/map. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down, and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org. Get project and work zone news straight to your email by signing up for eUpdates. Information is also available 24/7 by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by connecting with us on social media. *Correction: incorrect sub-head was removed.  Facebook | X | Instagram   Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down ### http://traveler.modot.org/map/     Districts Involved Northwest Published On Wed, 03/11/2026 - 08:59 NW Customer Service Northwest District Email: nwcr@modot.mo.govPhone: 816-901-4529 http://mvc.dps.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/b27f8935-e40a-4c36-9441-1bfbf2f1c2dd http://mvc.dps.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/b27f8935-e40a-4c36-9441-1bfbf2f1c2dd Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/spring-events-offered-throughout-missouri-state-parks-historic-sites 301306 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:12:28 +0000 Spring events offered throughout Missouri state parks and historic sites Karen Kremer Tue, 03/10/2026 - 09:12 Release Date Tuesday, March 10, 2026 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 10, 2026 – Has spring fever got you wanting to get outside and explore nature? Well, look no further! Missouri state parks and historic sites have got just the events for you.Tuesdays, March 17, 24, and 31,at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Toddler Tuesdays at Crowder State Park.Looking for a fun activity for your children? Bring your toddlers and other preschool-aged children to Crowder State Park for a Toddler Tuesday program. Starting March 17 at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m., toddlers can participate in activities such as crafts, book readings, nature walks and experiments. All programs begin at the Camp Grand River recreation hall. Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128 in Trenton. Friday, March 20, from 8-10 p.m. – Dark Sky Program at Thousand Hills State Park.Thousand Hills State Park is hosting a series of dark sky programs, starting in March. The park team and representatives from Truman State University will meet at the Point Shelter to explore the stars and sky above. Telescopes will be set up, but participants are welcome to bring their own, along with chairs, blankets and binoculars. This program is weather permitting. Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville.  Saturday, March 21, at 8:30 p.m. – Starry Sky Night at Onondaga Cave State Park.Onondaga Cave State Park is hosting a series of night sky viewing events starting in March. Join astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot to view the cosmos with a high-powered telescope. Although a telescope is provided, visitors are welcome to bring viewing devices of their own. In the event of poor viewing conditions, the program will be pushed back one week. Onondaga Cave State Park is located at 7556 Highway H in Leasburg.  Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. – Toddler Thursday: Turtles at Mastodon State Historic Site.Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial. This program is designed for toddlers and their grown-ups, and will focus on learning about For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dhewd.mo.gov/news/mdhewd-hosts-annual-conference-highlighting-innovation-and-collaboration-improve-student 7426 at https://dhewd.mo.gov Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:15:38 +0000 MDHEWD hosts annual conference highlighting innovation and collaboration to improve student mobility Mr. Jason Strickland Mon, 03/09/2026 - 09:15 Date Mon, 03/09/2026 - 12:00 On Friday, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) hosted the annual Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA) Conference in Columbia, bringing together higher education professionals from across the state for a full day of discussion, collaboration, and innovation. This year’s conference theme, “Pathways Powered by Possibility: Innovation for Student Mobility,” set the tone for a program focused on rethinking how Missouri institutions support learners at every stage of their transfer journey. Attendees included academic advisors, administrators, faculty, and institutional leaders who shared strategies for improving student mobility and strengthening pathways from education to employment.MDHEWD Commissioner, Dr. Bennett Boggs, opened the event by highlighting the importance of collective action in supporting student success.“The annual COTA conference is a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration as we consider innovative ways to better serve Missouri’s students,” said Dr. Boggs. “Improved processes would significantly help Missourians who may benefit from returning to school to finish a degree or credential, as well as learners who are working or raising a family while attending school. Clear, seamless transfer, reduces the time required for a student to earn a degree, lowers student debt, and strengthens Missouri’s workforce and talent pipeline.” Keynote speaker Paul Farnsworth, Executive Director of Communication and Content at B&B Theatres, invited attendees to “reframe the pathway” by examining lessons from the cinema industry. Drawing on his experience as a transfer student, Farnsworth explored the shared challenges facing both cinema and higher education, emphasizing the need to reengage audiences and rethink how institutions define and communicate their value.The day’s sessions expanded on this discussion, covering topics central to Missouri’s work on transfer and articulation. Highlights included:A session on mapping the adult-learner journey, with strategies for building streamlined, supportive pathways from recruitment through graduationA core transfer curriculum (CORE-42) roundtable featuring representatives from the Core Curriculum Advisory Committee, providing updates on statewide general education transfer and new tools for advisorsPresentations on transfer orientation redesign, dual credit pathways, policy and equity research, and Missouri institutions’ use of AI tools to accelerate transcript evaluation and guide transfer decision-makingDiscussions centered on practical solutions for removing transfer barriers, strengthening advising models, and integration academic, career, and transfer supportThe conference concluded with updates on Missouri Transfer Pathways from MDHEWD Assistant Commissioner, Samantha Dickey, highlighting the steps to implement the Transfer Pathways passed during the 2025 Legislative Session.More information about COTA is available on the MDHEWD website, and photographs from the 2026 COTA Conference can be found on MDHEWD’s Flickr page.About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or by following MDHEWD’s social media accounts.