University of Central Missouri (UCM) President Roger Best joins Central Speaks to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping higher education today, and how faculty and staff can help UCM meet this moment in service to students.

The conversation centers on what he describes as the “three C’s”: communication, change and community. President Best shares his perspective on the external forces affecting colleges and universities, the importance of clear and transparent communication, the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence, and the role of belonging in supporting student success.

He also highlights strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and the day-to-day work of helping UCM adapt while staying true to its mission of Education for Service. Throughout the conversation, President Best underscores that student success is not the responsibility of one office, department, or program. It depends on the collective efforts of faculty and staff across the university.

And yes, we also get to the bottom of what happened to the pastries at Pastries with the President. Plus, stick around for a Final Fun Fact you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about President Best here.

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© 2026 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood, director of university communications. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

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