Modernizing Missouri’s Academic Program Management: Balancing Statewide Oversight and Responsiveness

Abstract

This mixed-methods study evaluates Missouri's academic program approval and review processes through stakeholder perspectives, neighboring state practices, and program performance data. Research identifies four challenges: process complexity causing implementation delays; barriers to data integration; limited institutional collaboration; and tensions between oversight and innovation. Through document analysis and 17 stakeholder interviews across Missouri's public institutions, plus comparative analysis of eight neighboring states, the study provides evidence-based recommendations to enhance academic program governance. Recommendations include creating collaboration frameworks, streamlining approval processes, enhancing data integration with comprehensive dashboards, and establishing continuous improvement mechanisms.