JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The president of the University of Missouri foresees challenges ahead over federal funding in a letter to faculty and staff.

Dr. Mun Choi says while he is very hopeful and excited about the university’s future he recognizes the “challenges on the horizon.”

“One of the challenges is the reduction in indirect cost returns as well as cancellation of specific federal projects,” Choi said in his letter.

He said in the coming weeks, the university will begin reducing expenses for this fiscal year as well as the fiscal year 2026 budget “as it is likely that the federal program cuts will continue.”

Even when acknowledging the importance faculty and staff play in education and research, Choi struck a realistic tone: “It is our hope to minimize the impacts of the budget cuts to your critical mission,” he said.

Despite the warnings, Choi remained optimistic.

“With your leadership and support, we were able to overcome much greater challenges during the past 10 years,” he wrote. “I’m also encouraged in knowing that we are in a much better position to weather the financial challenges given our strong footing, with positive enrollments, growing state support and profitable entrepreneurial programs.”