Story by Sarah Salmons
Photos by Morgan Solomon

When O. Cleve McDaniel, Ph.D. ’97 came to the University of Missouri to pursue his doctorate, he already had decades of experience navigating the complexities of higher education. 

He had served in senior administrative roles at universities across the country, building a career around organizational leadership, finance, planning and policy. But at Mizzou, McDaniel returned to the classroom as a student—bringing with him the experience and perspective of a seasoned higher education leader. 

Now, his generous gift will extend that legacy to future generations of higher education leaders. 

On Oct. 29, McDaniel’s friends and family presented a $1 million gift from his estate to the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) program in the College of Education & Human Development. The gift will establish the Dr. Cleve McDaniel Student Professional Development fund, which will provide support for graduate students in ELPA to pursue professional development activities beyond regular coursework. Students who receive support from this fund will be known as McDaniel Fellows. 

“This generous gift honors Cleve’s life and professional accomplishments while creating opportunities for others to build on his example,” said Kui Xie, Dean of the College of Education & Human Development. “We are grateful to the McDaniel estate  for placing their trust in Mizzou and for the lasting impact this gift will make possible.” 

The gift honors a man whose career was defined by a commitment to higher education and whose connection to Mizzou remained an important part of his life. 

McDaniel died Aug. 12, 2024, at age 76. Over a 35-year career, he held senior administrative positions at seven institutions across seven states and one Middle Eastern country. His roles included vice president of administration at Lincoln University, vice chancellor for administration at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, senior associate for planning and policy studies for the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education, and chief operating officer at American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. 

He also was a founding partner of the Educational Consulting Foundation, a nonprofit consulting group focused on helping higher education institutions with strategic planning, budgeting, organizational structures, governance and information technology. 

His former doctoral adviser remembers McDaniel as an unusually talented student who brought his professional experience directly into the classroom. 

“He understood the language and culture of higher education, had deep experience he could draw on to share with other students, was an excellent writer, and contributed immensely to the course,” said Emeritus Professor Steven Graham. 

Those who knew McDaniel professionally remember a leader who combined an understanding of people and organizations with a deep knowledge of finance and administration. He was known for his work ethic, willingness to challenge conventional approaches and commitment to doing what he believed was best for the institutions and people he served. 

That combination of expertise and integrity shaped McDaniel’s career and the people who worked alongside him. 

Brad Curs, Department Chair of the ELPA program said the McDaniel’s Fellows program will provide financial support for students to pursue professional development opportunities outside of the classroom, such as presenting at professional conferences, or support to pursue advanced certifications.  

“These personalized experiences will help the students gain valuable experience that will further their careers,” Curs said. “The fund also allows us to host speakers and workshops on campus that will benefit not only ELPA students but Mizzou at large. Having these types of resources will set us apart from other peer programs.” 

McDaniel’s gift will create a lasting connection between his legacy and the ELPA students who follow in his footsteps. 

By providing financial support, the gift can help more students develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead complex organizations and contribute to the future of higher education. 

Jim Heyssel, Cleve’s nephew, said this gift is one of the most fitting ways to carry his uncle’s legacy forward. 

“It was never just about Cleve,” he explained, adding that his uncle always put people first and was a servant leader. “He was ambitious, but it was always ambition for the right things.” 

McDaniel’s gift, one of the largest ever received by the ELPA department, will carry on his legacy of service through the students who will benefit from his generosity and the many lives they will go impact throughout their careers.