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University, industry leaders will provide oversight, support as NextGen MURR is designed, constructed
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — In the latest exciting development in the creation of the NextGen MURR research reactor, University of Missouri Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves and President Mun Choi have established the NextGen MURR Working Group to serve as a strategic advisory body for all phases of the historic project.
NextGen MURR will be a state-of-the-art nuclear research reactor that will ensure Missouri's status as the epicenter of cancer-fighting medical isotope research and production. It will triple the capacity of the university to produce these life-saving isotopes, which already are the active ingredients in medications taken by more than 500,000 people each year to fight cancer.
Chair Graves made the announcement at the June 26, 2025, Board of Curators meeting in St. Joseph, Mo.
“We are committed to NextGen MURR, and we know that this transformative project will produce more medical isotopes, saving the lives of cancer patients in Missouri, across the country and around the world,” Chair Graves said. “I look forward to seeing the progress of the working group and the continued advancement of this project, which also will serve as an economic driver for Missouri and the nation.”
“NextGen MURR is a critical initiative that will improve lives and create opportunities in Missouri and beyond,” said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. “This working group will provide the expert vision and support we need to achieve our ambitious goals and deliver a world-class research reactor facility.”
Earlier this month, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and the Missouri General Assembly renewed their commitment to the crucial project by allocating $50 million in state funding toward the design and construction of the facility. The project, which is the largest in the UM System’s history, was officially launched in April through an agreement with a consortium of companies, now working on the initial design studies.
The objective of the NextGen MURR Working Group is to oversee strategy and execution of the project’s development. Curator Blaine Luetkemeyer will serve as the chair, and Curator John Raines will participate as a board representative.
The members of the working group are:
- Blaine Luetkemeyer, Chair, University of Missouri Board of Curators
- John Raines, University of Missouri Board of Curators
- Matt Sanford, Vice Chair, University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Executive Director
- Michael Hoehn II, Secretary, NextGen MURR Program Director
- Dale Klein, Klein Energy, former Commissioner, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Chris Critch, Founder and Lead Strategist, C. Critch Consulting Inc.
- Steve Laflin, former President and CEO, International Isotopes Inc.
- Bob Reymond, former COO of Energy, Burns & McDonnell
- Kevin Hogg, Treasurer, UM System
- John Brockman, Associate Director of Research and Education, MURR
- Dustin Schnieders, Assistant Vice President, Government Relations, UM System
- Meichele Foster, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advancement – University Programs, University of Missouri
- Mark Menghini, General Counsel, UM System
Reviewed 2025-06-26