Springfield Standard

Missouri State University President Clif Smart was honored with the Key to the City by Springfield Mayor Ken McClure at a meeting of the Missouri State Board of Governors. Smart, who has served as president since 2011, is recognized for his role in increasing university enrollment and enhancing its reputation statewide. He is set to retire at the end of this semester.

"Clif is a leader for a time such as this," Mayor McClure stated, referencing a quote from the biblical book of Esther. "He assumed the presidency at one of the University’s most difficult times. In addition to increasing enrollment, he led necessary facility improvements, kept tuition affordable – all while MSU was one of the most underfunded universities per student in the state."

Throughout his tenure, Smart worked closely with both the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and the City during the pandemic. He ensured clear communication between these entities and collaborated on decisions serving public interest.

Mayor McClure also declared it "Clif Smart Day" through a resolution that outlined Smart's significant contributions to the community.

Under Smart’s leadership, several accomplishments were made:

- Enhancement of faculty, staff, and student diversity

- Development of new bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs

- Achievement of a Silver STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

- Record-setting state appropriations, private gifts and grant funding

Smart has been a resident of Springfield for over thirty years. Before assuming his current role, he served as general counsel for Missouri State University. Prior to joining MSU, he had a private legal practice in Springfield.

Smart and his wife Gail have two sons: Murray who lives in Rogers, Arkansas with his wife Amy and their children; and Jim who recently graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School.

Smart is only the sixth person to receive this honor from Mayor McClure. Other recipients include Sam Hamra, William “Bill” Darr, retired Director of Planning and Development Mary Lilly Smith, Dr. Robert Spence and Johnny Morris. More information about the award can be found at springfieldmo.gov/key.