Mizzou Families Advisory Council

The Mizzou Families Advisory Council (MFAC) represents a select group of engaged families and industry representatives who serve in a non-governing, advisory capacity to the Mizzou Families program to strengthen Mizzou’s family engagement initiatives. Members provide insight, advocacy, and philanthropic support, and serve as ambassadors for the Mizzou experience on and off campus.

Advisory Council Members

Advisory Council members will:

Provide feedback on programs and services supporting student success
Participate in regular discussions and surveys shaping family-focused initiatives
Advocate for a welcoming, involved and student-centered environment
Support local and regional outreach within the Mizzou Families network
Promote Mizzou within their personal and local network
Volunteer for Mizzou Families programming as available.

Advisory Council Member Expectations:

Attend quarterly council meetings (primarily virtual, with one in-person annually)
Serve at least one year (two years preferred)
Participate in subcommittees and volunteer opportunities as able
Maintain confidentiality when sensitive topics are discussed
Engage respectfully and collaboratively with fellow members and staff
Share feedback from families between meetings
Uphold the advisory nature of the council (not a governing body)

Annual Investment: Any amount. A two-year commitment is strongly encouraged to ensure continuity and build lasting relationships.

Invest Today

Advisory Council Members receive:

Name or logo recognition on a dedicated Mizzou Families Advisory Council webpage
Invitations to exclusive meetings and receptions held by Mizzou Families
Discounted registration for major Mizzou Families events such as Family Weekend
A dedicated seat on the Advisory Council for the noted term

Advisory Council Leadership Circle

There will be an exclusive group of thought leaders in the Mizzou Families Advisory Council, known as our Mizzou Families Leadership Circle. Leadership Circle members are charged with ensuring the sustainable operation of the Mizzou Families Advisory Council, providing input and strategic insight on high-impact initiatives and providing philanthropic support to the Mizzou Families program or other initiatives supported within the Division of Student Affairs. This is more than a philanthropic commitment - it's an opportunity to share your perspective with university leadership, applying your expertise to shape a model of excellence in university-family partnership and elevate Mizzou’s national reputation.

Learn how to join the Leadership Circle

Meet the 2026 Mizzou Families Advisory Council

Amy Blanton: Amy is dedicated to public education support and served on the Sikeston Public School’s Board of Education and Foundation. She is a proud mother of four Mizzou Tigers and a passionate supporter of the university community. Susan Brewer: Founder of Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate and a leader in the revitalization of Historic Cottleville, Susan is a prominent St. Charles County business owner. She is a mom to an alumna daughter and current student at Mizzou. Cordt Cashen: Cordt is an Operations Director for the NASA Commercial Crew Program with over two decades of federal service in leadership roles at the CIA and SpaceX. He is the proud father of a current Mizzou student. Sue Drath: An HR professional with 30 years of experience at Energizer Holdings, Sue specializes in change management and team building. She is a dedicated Mizzou supporter and the parent of a current student. Lesley FitzGerald: A graduate of the University of North Texas with a background in behavioral and mental health, Lesley is committed to fostering a supportive campus environment. She is the parent of three children, including two current Mizzou Tigers. Brooke Friedman: A Mizzou alumna and healthcare marketing strategist, Brooke iks excited to create a university environment where every student and family has a true sense of belonging. She has two children attending Mizzou. Molly Froidl: A multi-degree Mizzou alumna and career educator, Molly serves as a Foundation Coordinator for the Veterans United Foundation. As a former member of Marching Mizzou and a current Tiger parent, she is dedicated to enhancing the family experience. C. Matthew Gadberry: Matthew is the owner of Gadberry Equipment Sales and Gadberry Properties, managing a diverse portfolio of business operations in Missouri. He is a proud Mizzou parent with a daughter currently in her freshman year. Wendy Gardner: A Director of Product Sales at Siemens Healthineers, Wendy brings over 30 years of clinical and leadership experience to the council. She is the parent of both a Mizzou alumna and a current student. Courtney Hunter Gilmer: A Mizzou alumna and Vanderbilt Law graduate, Courtney transitioned from a successful legal career to serve as COO of her family’s company, Castor River Habitat & Farm. She remains deeply connected to the university through her son, a current sophomore. Tamilynn Holder: Tami is the Assistant Chief Advancement Officer at A.T. Still University and has over two decades of leadership experience in international advancement. Based in St. Louis, she is the mother of a current Mizzou sophomore. Evelyn Holmes: A veteran reporter for ABC 7 News in Chicago and a graduate of Northwestern University, Evelyn is a prominent voice in broadcast journalism and community service. Michael Joerling: Mike has over 25 years of experience in telecommunications engineering and a long history of supporting student programs and volunteer initiatives. He is the proud father of a freshman Tiger. Kevin Koeppen: As a Vice Principal with nearly three decades in education, Kevin specializes in curriculum development and parent engagement. He is the proud parent of two current Mizzou students. Dr. Julia Mayer: A Mizzou alumna and practicing pediatrician in St. Louis, Dr. Mayer has been a member of the Mizzou community for decades. With children who are graduates and current students, she is dedicated to shaping the Tiger family experience. Dr. Billie McGraw: A public school superintendent with 23 years of experience, Dr. McGraw is a firm believer in the transformative power of education. As a first-time Mizzou parent, she values the collaboration between families and the university. Merry “Maggie” Tucker: A practicing attorney since 1999, she serves as Senior Counsel with GuideOne Insurance and holds legal licenses in three states. She is the mother of a Mizzou sophomore. Jill Wagner: Jill is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at People's Bank and a Mizzou alumna with extensive experience in fiscal oversight and school board governance. Michael Weiss (EY): A leader at Ernst & Young (EY), Michael specializes in regulatory compliance and operations for Fortune 50 entities. He is an active member of multiple Mizzou advisory boards and various community service organizations.

Ernst & Young is a 2026 Leadership Circle Member for the Mizzou Families Advisory Council.

Join the Advisory Council and impact the future of Mizzou Families

Applications for the 2027-28 Advisory Council will open in Jan. 2027.

Nominate a council member

Your leadership helps ensure that Mizzou families are not only informed, but actively engaged as partners in student success. We are grateful for your service and look forward to working with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Mizzou Families Advisory Council (MFAC)? The MFAC exists to strengthen the partnership between Mizzou and its families by providing feedback, fostering engagement, supporting communication efforts, and advancing initiatives that promote student success and belonging. What is my role as a council member? Council members serve as thought partners, connectors, and advocates by:

Sharing family perspectives
Providing feedback on programs and communications
Helping shape family engagement efforts
Representing Mizzou positively within their networks

How often does the council meet? The council meets quarterly, primarily virtually, with one in-person meeting each year (typically during Family Weekend or a major campus event). How long is the term of service? Members serve a minimum of one year, with two years preferred to support continuity and effectiveness. What is the expected time commitment? In addition to quarterly meetings, members may:

Serve on a subcommittee
Volunteer at select events
Participate in surveys or feedback sessions Overall, MFAC is designed to be impactful while remaining manageable for busy families.

Is this a governing body or a decision-making group? No. MFAC serves in an advisory capacity. Recommendations and insights are shared with Mizzou Families staff and campus partners, who consider them in planning and decision-making. Am I expected to make a financial contribution? Council members are encouraged to support Mizzou and Student Affairs priorities at a level meaningful and affordable to their family. Members who contribute $5,000 or more annually are recognized within the Leadership Circle, which includes additional strategic and leadership engagement. What is the difference between MFAC and the Leadership Circle? All Leadership Circle members are part of MFAC, but Leadership Circle members:

Provide enhanced strategic and philanthropic leadership
Engage more directly with senior university leadership
Support the long-term sustainability of family initiatives through leadership-level giving

Can I suggest topics or raise concerns? Yes! Members are encouraged to:

Suggest agenda topics
Share emerging family needs
Bring forward concerns or opportunities for improvement Your voice is central to the council’s success.

What if I can’t attend a meeting? Members should notify Mizzou Families in advance. When possible, members may designate a representative or submit feedback prior to the meeting. What is the Leadership Circle? The Leadership Circle is a distinction within the Mizzou Families Advisory Council for members who provide enhanced strategic and philanthropic leadership in support of family engagement and student success. How does Leadership Circle participation differ from general MFAC membership? Leadership Circle members:

Engage more directly in strategic conversations
May be invited to select briefings with senior university leadership
Provide philanthropic leadership supporting Mizzou Families priorities
Serve as visible champions for the program across networks

What is the expected philanthropic commitment? Leadership Circle members are encouraged to make an annual investment of $5,000 or more to the MFAC, aligned with:

Mizzou Families initiatives
Student success priority giving areas
Student Affairs strategic goals

Gifts may be directed based on personal interest or industry interest in partnership with Advancement. How is my giving used? Leadership Circle philanthropy supports:

Family engagement programming
Communication and outreach initiatives
Student success efforts connected to family support
Program growth and sustainability

You will receive updates demonstrating the impact of your investment. Will I be contacted about giving? Yes. An Advancement partner will reach out to:

Answer questions
Discuss areas of interest
Ensure your giving aligns with your philanthropic goals

This outreach is intended to be supportive and consultative, not transactional. Are Leadership Circle members recognized publicly? Yes, with your consent. Leadership Circle members may be recognized through:

Mizzou Families publications
Select events
Program materials

Recognition preferences will always be honored. What if my philanthropic capacity changes? We understand that circumstances evolve. Leadership Circle status is flexible and reviewed annually. Our goal is partnership, not pressure.

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