Information on the age and tenure status of instructional and research employees in Missouri higher education institutions for 1978-79 is summarized, including employees who devoted at least 50 percent of their time to instruction, research, or a combination of the two activities. Information in three topical areas considered important to statewide and institutional policy are presented: (1) age and tenure distribution of full-time instruction/research employees in Missouri higher education as a whole; (2) tenure status of full-time instruction/research employees in Missouri higher education institutions; and (3) age and tenure status of full-time instruction/research employees in each sector of Missouri higher education. The data indicate that a majority of the reported employees are under 45 years of age and one-quarter are under 35 years of age. It is also noted that 85 percent of the 25-34 year age group have not been granted tenure, whereas over 60 percent of the 35-44 year age group have tenure. The University of Missouri system has the highest percent of tenured instruction/research employees of the institutions compared in this report. In light of the data presented, it is concluded that the long-range continuing education needs and planning for faculty members should be given important consideration. (Author/SF)