Dr. Mun Y. Choi

This effort strengthened collaboration among the four universities and created a more efficient environment.  He has worked tirelessly to transform the perception and value of higher education with the university community, alumni, legislators and Missourians. 

MU recently celebrated the highest graduation rate in the university’s history, a record 90% retention rate for first-year students returning their sophomore year and had 92% of MU students land a career outcome six months after graduation.

Choi has led efforts to strategically invest in UM System research, particularly through the statewide NextGen Precision Health initiative.  The new, $250 million expansive facility anchoring this initiative is located on MU’s campus and opened in October 2021. In addition to attracting top scientists, NextGen Precision Health has the potential to make key discoveries — with treatments for prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers, traumatic brain injuries and rare musculoskeletal diseases — as well as increase health care access for Missourians.

Building a climate that promotes diversity and strengthens inclusion is another key priority for Choi.  He strongly and continually advocates for every member of the university community to take personal responsibility for addressing discrimination when witnessing it – no matter how subtle or unintentional.  The burden of raising awareness and creating a more inclusive culture falls on everyone’s shoulder.

Choi came to Missouri in 2017 after nine years at the University of Connecticut where he served as provost and executive vice president (2012-2017) and earlier as dean of engineering (2008-2012). His 25-year career in higher education also includes serving eight years as a department head of engineering at Drexel University and six years as an assistant and associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

A product of and passionate champion for public higher education, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. He secured his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University.

His parents brought their family to the United States from South Korea when Choi was 9 years old.  Their initial jobs making uniforms for Taekwondo students and teachers evolved into a highly successful family business. The Choi Brothers in Chicago, where he worked as a young man, is one of the country’s largest suppliers of martial arts uniforms.

Choi is married to Suzanne Choi and together they have three children.

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