What Springfield can expect from the next MSU president — and why he goes by Biff

The next president of Missouri State University said he is not the type to come in and start making big changes — at least not right away.

Richard "Biff" Williams, who just wrapped up a decade as the president of Utah Tech University, said his approach is more cautious and studious.

In interviews Monday, Williams said he first stepped onto the Springfield campus a couple of decades ago, in the early 2000s, and has been researching the university in recent months as he sought the presidency.

He still resides in Utah and is staying busy as his youngest child prepares to graduate high school this spring. He plans to visit Springfield soon to find a home.

In a Zoom meeting with media outlets, Williams said he will spent the next four months learning everything he can about the university, even memorizing the fight song so he can join in.

Williams said he does not plan to weigh in on big decisions, including personnel changes, unless invited to do so by the MSU Board of Governors or outgoing president Clif Smart.

"I don't want to step on any toes. I don't start until July 1," he said, noting Smart is finishing up a "legacy career" with 13 years in the president's role. "I will just wait to hear from the board how they would like me to be involved from now until then."

Williams said he plans to work closely with the board to develop a plan for a "smooth transition."

Once in the job, he said, the first priority will be to "listen and to learn." His plan is to have a collaborative administration with "one big team" working on shared goals.

"My first order of business is to meet as many people as possible, to listen, to learn, to make sure our team is on the same page," he said. "And I know the Board of Governors is going to be helping with this, putting a good transition plan together — who I need to talk to first and listen to and getting to know people and making sure that we build that relationship of trust."

He added: "The campus needs to be able to trust me and understand where I'm coming from."

Part of his story is the teamwork with his wife, Kristin, who was his high school sweetheart.

"My wife will be very visible. We're definitely a duo. We love being in higher education," he said. "We love being involved with the students, the faculty, staff and we love being great citizens so that will be the first order of business."

The couple often hosted large dinners for students in their home, a tradition he hopes to continue. He said it is a time to get to know students, ask them questions and listen to what they need.

"We're really here for the students, and so we'll build the university around them," he said.

Away from campus, Williams said, he has worked hard to build relationships with elected officials, city and county leaders, and business owners. He and his wife have visited high schools and served on nonprofit boards.

He also put together a smaller "road show" version of the annual State of the University address that he'd take to the larger businesses.

"I'd ask the question of 'What is it that we need to do for you?'" he said, noting they help identify workforce and program gaps to fill.

"My first steps will really be listening, getting out and meeting people, being involved, being present, being seen. And I know President Smart has done a great job at that so this won't be a shock for the Springfield community," he said. "When I show up (in Springfield), it's an expectation and I love that and so I'll continue to do that."

In Utah, Williams said the university figured out a way to send the annual report to every home in the county where the campus was located.

He said one of the biggest challenges facing universities, including Missouri State, is getting out the message about the value of an education, whether it results in a job-related certificate or a degree. He said they must confront the skepticism about whether the expense is worth the investment.

More: Unanimous choice: Biff Williams named 12th president of Missouri State University

He also made it clear Monday that he is taking the job with a long future in mind.

"From what I saw, from my interview and my study, it's just a great place and it would be a great place to end my career, if I am allowed to do that," he said.

Asked about the likelihood of launching a fundraising campaign, Williams said there will probably be a need for one and possible two during his tenure.

"In higher education, making sure that we remain affordable for the student, capital campaigns are essential so we will definitely have capital campaigns but when we have those and how we map those out will be up to our great advancement team," he said. "But you can definitely expect to see capital campaigns in the future."

More: Contract, pay details for new Missouri State University president

How did he get the name Biff?

Asked about the nickname, Richard Bedford Williams said he was named for his father and his grandfather, which is a tradition in his family.

"My son is named Richard. My dad is Richard. My grandpa is Richard and it goes back," he said. "But my parents wanted to call me 'Biff,' and so out of respect for the tradition it is Richard Bedford Williams but I've gone by Biff from since I was born."

He has a brother named Skip, who is a professor at Illinois State University. "So I am getting closer to him, which will be fun," he said.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Here's what Springfield can expect from new Missouri State president