Mizzou Prepares for Potential Budget Cuts, University Officials Say

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KBSI) — The University of Missouri is bracing for potential budget cuts, with officials discussing steps to minimize financial impact while awaiting final decisions on federal funding.

In a letter to faculty and staff, university leadership warned of possible reductions and efforts to minimize any potential problems. Despite concerns, Tom Spencer, Vice Chancellor for Research, discussed that no federal budget cuts have been implemented yet.

“One thing I like to point out is, you know, we have not been instructed to go through a budget cut scenario. We have not received budget cuts from the federal government at this point,” Spencer said.

However, the university is proactively evaluating cost-saving measures in preparation for potential funding reductions. Matthew Martens, who oversees the Office of the Provost, stated that delaying the hiring of open positions is one way the institution is looking to cut down on spending.

“This type of scenario planning, I think, is really responsible,” Martens said. “If the cuts don’t emerge or if they are fairly minimal, then you don’t have to enact them.”

Martens noted that the university has faced similar budget concerns in the past, and leadership is considering various approaches to prepare for any necessary financial adjustments.

“As of right now, everything is still on track for the fiscal year 2025 budget,” Spencer said. “Because of the legislation and different actions in the courts, pretty much right now everything is as usual—federal agencies are funding research projects, and we’re getting reimbursed for expenses incurred on our federal contracts and grants.”

Despite the current stability, university officials remain in close communication with their budgeting team as they prepare for the fiscal year 2026 budget, acknowledging that federal program cuts may continue.