Sept. 10, 2025
Contact: Eric Stann, StannE@missouri.edu
Photos by Nick Andrusisian

When Dan Meers, BJ, BA ’90, first arrived at the University of Missouri, he had no major and no plan — just curiosity, boundless energy and a love for Mizzou sports. Over the next five years, he built lifelong friendships and seized every opportunity he could.

Meers credits his time at Mizzou for helping forge the foundation for his remarkable 35-year professional career as KC Wolf, the beloved Kansas City Chiefs mascot. He retired from the role earlier this year.

“I never imagined that being Truman the Tiger would shape my career for the next 35 years,” Meers said. “But everything I experienced at Mizzou set the course for my life.”

Lessons between laughter

Meers’ life at Mizzou went far beyond Truman’s game days.

In the classroom, through courses in the College of Arts and Science and the School of Journalism, he sharpened his verbal and nonverbal communication skills — building a storytelling toolkit that would guide him for years to come. Outside of class, he immersed himself in campus life, serving as a resident advisor in Hatch Hall, playing intramural sports, helping with Mizzou’s Homecoming and joining Bible study groups.

This story originally appeared on Show Me Mizzou. 
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