MSA Senate Seats New Academic and Chair Leaders
Columbia businesses working with University of Missouri students should confirm current MSA contacts before the November 17 meeting.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People
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The Missouri Student Association senate appointed 16 new academic senators and one at-large senator and confirmed four new chairs across its three branches at its October 27 meeting. The changes follow MSA Week's electoral period and affect the student governance body at the University of Missouri.
Why it matters
The senate's appointments and confirmations fill the seats and leadership posts that determine how student government operates through the rest of the term. The meeting also advanced a bill redefining who counts as an undergraduate, because the bylaws definition dates to a 2024 provision that was vague and out of date, and the revision follows the court case Schnarre v. Woodley, which led to the dismissal of the previous MSA treasurer.
The senate appointed 16 academic senators and one at-large senator and confirmed four new chairs across three branches. Resolution 66-06 drew 33 votes in favor, two abstentions and one against, and failed because only three-fourths of the senate was present.
The players
Missouri Student Association
The University of Missouri's student government body, which runs a senate with academic and at-large seats and three branches that oversee student-led elections, ethics and wellness functions.
Henry Birkmeier
A student confirmed to the Board of Elections Commissioners, the body that oversees MSA's electoral process.
Haley Underwood
A student designated as MSA's Health and Wellness Coordinator, responsible for student wellness programming within the association.
The details
Resolution 66-06 failed to pass because quorum was reduced to three-fourths of the senate, which meant the vote carried less weight than a full-attendance session. Newly appointed academic senators were able to cast their votes at the same meeting. Resolution 66-09 establishing an Undergraduate Student Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board passed, and Bill 66-07 cleared its second reading and was voted to pass, allowing students in accelerated programs pursuing an undergraduate degree to take part in MSA.
Timeline
The senate's bylaws provision defining undergraduate students was passed on October 27, 2024.
The senate met on October 27, 2026, to make the appointments, confirm the chairs and hold the votes.
The next MSA senate meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2026, after midterm season.
Market Landscape
The bill's revision follows directly from Schnarre v. Woodley, a court case that led to the dismissal of the previous MSA treasurer and exposed how the association's bylaws defined undergraduate students. The 2024 provision it replaces was described as vague and old, so the update is an attempt to tighten the rules governing who can take part in the association.
Operators who work with student organizations or recruit from the University of Missouri should note that MSA's leadership roster has changed and that the undergraduate definition bill may alter who represents students in accelerated programs. Partners and vendors that engage student government should confirm current contacts before the November 17 meeting.
The takeaway
Student governance changes often reshape the people a campus business can reach, so track the November 17 senate agenda for confirmed appointments and any final vote on the undergraduate definition. Confirm current MSA contacts before scheduling any partnership or outreach that depends on specific roles.
What happens next
The Missouri Student Association senate meets again on November 17, 2026, when further action on the appointed senators, chairs and pending bills is expected.
Further reading
For more context on the people shaping local institutions, explore People coverage across the Columbia business community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Maneater.
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