MHC Board Service

Balance and Diversity

We work to achieve geographical, professional, gender, and ethnic diversity on our statewide board. The single characteristic of every person on the board is a long-term interest in the humanities.

Ideal candidates know their own community and region of Missouri and have a reputation for accomplishment. Beyond that, an ideal member is experienced in working on a non-profit board, works well in cooperation with other board members, and is able to “see the big picture.”

Term of Service and Duties

The normal term of an elected member is three (3) years, which may be renewed once before mandatory rotation off the board. The term of an appointed member is “at the pleasure of the Governor,” but may not continue longer than three (3) years after the Governor leaves office. In no case may the consecutive years a member serves  exceed eight (8) years total.

All members of the board shape strategy, programs, and resource development. Members also attend and evaluate MHC programs.

The board meets four (4) times a year in Kansas City, Central Missouri, and St. Louis on a schedule that is prepared about a year in advance. Meetings generally include a cultural experience or committee meeting on a Friday mid-afternoon, an overnight stay, and a business meeting Saturday morning, concluding with lunch. To remain in good standing, a board member is expected to attend more than half the meetings each year.

Program Involvement and Conflict-of-Interest

There is no financial compensation for service on the board, but expenses incurred in travel on behalf of MHC may be reimbursed. Board members may serve in a variety of capacities within programs funded by or conducted by MHC, but they may not receive compensation for that involvement beyond expense reimbursements. Members also refrain from discussions and votes on projects, grants, or programs that could appear to benefit themselves or an institution with which they are affiliated.

Donations to the Council

Board members are expected to serve as advocates for MHC and to make annual financial contributions within their means. The Council has a consistent record of 100% board and staff participation in the annual campaign.

Nomination Process

Interested people are welcome to nominate themselves or others for board service. The board’s Membership Committee completes an annual cycle of candidate recruitment in August, and candidates are elected at the board’s September retreat and begin their terms on November 1. We maintain a file of candidates for vacancies that occur at other times during the year.

You may download a nomination form and send it to the Missouri Humanities Council.

Board Self-Nomination Form

The Governor also invites Missouri residents to self-nominate for the appointed positions. The application can be downloaded from the Governor’s web page here: BOARDS_AND_COMMISSIONS_APPLICATION.pdf.

If you self-nominate with the Governor, please send a copy of your form to us.

You may nominate yourself simultaneously for an appointed and elected position.