$1.1 billion and roaring: Mizzou powers toward record $2 billion goal

Date: Aug. 27, 2026
Contact: Travis Zimpfer, [email protected]
Photo by Abbie Lankitus

The University of Missouri's Power the Roar campaign has surged to $1.1 billion, giving Mizzou more resources to turn ambitious ideas into real-world impact. The campaign is now more than halfway toward its historic $2 billion goal, the most ambitious in university history.

"This outstanding milestone for Power the Roar reflects our alumni and supporters' unwavering belief in the remarkable work accomplished at Mizzou," said Todd Graves, chair of the UM Board of Curators. "The campaign solidifies Mizzou's legacy and the resolute promise of Missouri's flagship, land-grant university to create lasting benefits and enhance the lives of all we serve."

Launched publicly last year, the campaign is harnessing the generosity of Tigers around the world to open doors for students, accelerate groundbreaking research, strengthen communities, advance health care and fuel championship athletics.

"Power the Roar shows the world that we are investing in excellence in student success, research and engagement," said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. "We're grateful for each of the 70,000 donors who helped achieve this historic milestone."

Among the investments already powering progress across Mizzou:

• A historic gift, to be announced next week, will create new possibilities for students, support faculty research and strengthen facilities.
• Two gifts from Nancy and Richard Kinder through the Kinder Foundation, which will expand academic opportunities, to be announced this fall.
• Two anonymous gifts totaling $75 million are transforming Memorial Stadium through the Centennial Project.
• More than $10 million in private contributions from individuals to the Thompson Foundation to support the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment's new building, expanding its capacity to serve children and families.

"This milestone represents the collective power of philanthropy, the impact of which will reverberate across generations," said Chris Smith, Mizzou's vice chancellor for advancement. "We're so thankful for the incredible response from our donors to Power the Roar and everything this campaign represents."

Turning generosity into impact
Across Mizzou, philanthropy is fueling progress.

More students can access a Mizzou education and everything that comes with it. Scholarships are putting a world-class education within reach, giving Tigers access to the academic rigor and hands-on experiences that prepare them to succeed.

Through the Missouri Method - Mizzou's philosophy of learning by doing - students graduate ready to compete at the highest level. Tigers who graduated this spring are now filling critical roles in health care, agriculture and other key industries in Missouri, while others are starting new businesses that contribute to local and state economies.

Researchers are pursuing ideas that have the potential to change lives. Gifts dedicated to faculty, facilities and research give Mizzou experts the tools to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from strengthening energy security and transforming cancer treatment to advancing manufacturing and technology.

And Mizzou's research enterprise is already operating at a historic level. Mizzou reached a record $553 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2025.

Student-athletes have more resources to compete and win. Donor investments are transforming facilities, enhancing programs and giving Tigers what they need to pursue championships while preparing to lead long after the final whistle.

And Mizzou can do even more for Missouri. As the state's flagship, land-grant university, Mizzou puts its education, research and expertise to work for Missourians, preparing the state's workforce, bringing university expertise to communities and addressing challenges facing farmers, businesses and families across the state.

More than halfway there. Just getting started.
Power the Roar is already expanding what Mizzou can accomplish.

The impact builds on momentum across Mizzou. This fall, enrollment is projected to top 31,650 students, including 9,138 new Tigers. They're choosing a university where 91% of first-year students return for their second year and more than 95% of graduates begin their careers or continue their education within six months of graduation.

As Mizzou advances toward its $2 billion goal, every investment opens more doors for students, accelerates discoveries, strengthens Missouri and gives Tigers the resources to lead and thrive in their chosen fields.

The goal is $2 billion. The opportunity is even bigger.

Mizzou knows what it can do.And Tigers everywhere are helping make it possible.

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