Board of Governors – News

Bill Grimwood appointed to MWSU Board of Governors

kheier — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 21:21:39 +0000

Bill Grimwood

Aug. 1, 2023–Gov. Mike Parson today announced that Bill Grimwood, chief information officer for Hillyard Companies of St. Joseph, has been appointed to the ��߲�� Board of Governors. His term expires Oct. 29, 2024.

“I’m a strong believer in public service,” Grimwood said. “I believe that my volunteer work in the community matters. I like to see our community, the Northwest Missouri region and the state of Missouri grow healthier, stronger, and more sustainable. I believe that a university is an anchor for each community where they are based. I want to be part of the decisions that help MWSU succeed and by extension, help St Joseph, Buchanan County, and the Northwest Missouri region thrive.”

Grimwood has been with Hillyard for 24 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. He is in his ninth year of service on the ��߲�� Foundation Board and served as the board chairman for the last two years. Grimwood also served for 10 years on the Mosaic Life Care Foundation Board, including three years as board chairman, and currently serves on the Mosaic Life Care Quality Committee.

Gov. Parson’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate. Grimwood’s appointment will bring the Board of Governors to a full seven voting members plus the non-voting student member.

��߲�� is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

New student governor sworn in

kheier — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:46:57 +0000

Garrett Jackson takes the oath of office from Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg ’82.

June 23, 2023–Senior Garrett Jackson was sworn in as student governor on the ��߲�� Board of Governors at the regular board meeting June 22.

Jackson, from St. Joseph, was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson and confirmed by the Missouri Senate in April.��

“I plan on working diligently with SGA, the Student Government Association, so that we can cooperate together and be the best voice of students that we can be,” Jackson said.��

The student governor is a non-voting member of the Board of Governors. Jackson will attend meetings and represent students in discussions by the Board.

Jackson will graduate next May with a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering technology and a minor in business. He plans to remain at Missouri Western to pursue an MBA. He has interned at Midland Steel Company in Wathena, and has held jobs at Jackson Construction, Camp Geiger, Menards and Chick-fil-A, all in St. Joseph.

Jackson graduated from St. Joseph Christian School, and was Loess Hills District Eagle Scout of the Year in 2018. He took the oath of office from Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg, a 1982 alumnus of Missouri Western.

Election of Officers

Also on June 22, the Board of Governors elected officers for 2023-2024. Rick Ebersold will serve another term as chair and Lisa Norton was elected vice chair. Ron Olinger, interim vice president for finance and administration, will continue to serve as the Board’s treasurer, and Betsy Wright, executive associate to the president, will remain as secretary.

Board of Governors sets tuition, budget for 2021-22

kheier — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:29:29 +0000

April 23, 2021–Tuition and fees for ��߲�� students will increase by slightly less than allowed for under state law in 2021-22. Missouri Western’s Board of Governors approved the tuition and fees changes at their regular meeting April 22.��

“Affordability is important to our students, and we remain one of the best values in higher education in the state of Missouri,” said Darrell Morrison, vice president for finance and administration.��

Tuition for in-state, undergraduate students will increase $10 per credit hour, to $230. The total cost of tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate student will be just under the $7,749.65 cap set by the state of Missouri’s Higher Education Student Funding Act.��

Housing rates, ranging from $2,512 to $3,774 per semester, will not increase. Under terms of the University’s contract with food service provider Aramark, meal plans will increase between 3.4 and 4.4 percent, depending on the plan selected.

FY 2021-22 Budget

The tuition and fee package was part of the 2021-22 budget approved by the Board of Governors. The balanced budget is based on steady enrollment and retention, additional emergency COVID-19 relief from the federal government and a restoration of state appropriations to FY19 levels. Because of actions taken last year, salary and benefit expenses will drop by more than $1.1 million, and no additional staff or faculty reductions are planned. Scholarship expenses are expected to increase by $665,000 based on the reinstatement of Missouri Western’s A+ Scholarship and the annual growth of Griffon Guarantee Scholarships.

In total, revenues in the 2021-22 budget total $4,277 more than the approximately $76.6 million in expenses.

FY 2020-21 Budget

Next year’s balanced budget represents a dramatic turnaround from the budget that was approved at the start of the current fiscal year with a deficit of more than $4.5 million. Missouri Western was able to close that gap with a one-time transfer of money from the MWSU Foundation, federal emergency COVID-19 relief and reductions in expenses.��

“I anticipate that we will end this fiscal year on June 30 with a small surplus,” Morrison said. “There is a lot of credit to go around for that encouraging news: to the Board of Governors, who have made a number of difficult decisions over the past year; to our donors and Foundation Board of Directors, who generously supported the University in our time of need; and to our faculty and staff, who have worked tirelessly to continue serving our students while holding the line on expenses.”

Missouri Western’s cash position–the money it has on hand–has increased by more than $3.5 million in the last two years, from $13.3 million on March 31, 2019 to $16.9 million this March 31.

The improved financial picture has Morrison considering a recommendation to end Missouri Western’s state of financial emergency, which the Board declared last year.��

“We’re not quite there yet, but we may be there soon, depending on enrollment and state funding next year,” he said.

Bids

In other action, the Board of Governors approved bids for four capital improvement projects:

$316,147.76 to WJ Cole Floors to replace carpet in Scanlon Hall
$309,500 to Hallowell Painting Construction to paint interior walls in Scanlon Hall
$832,000 to Delta Innovative Services Inc. to repair the roof on Murphy Hall and replace the roof on Hearnes Center
$662,629 to Keller Construction to repair and resurface various parking lots

The Scanlon Hall projects are funded through the University Repair and Replacement account. The roof and parking lot repairs are funded through the State of Missouri Capital Appropriations Fund.

News-Press NOW: Western selects interim president

kheier — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 15:51:35 +0000

The Missouri Western Board of Governors has selected an interim President to replace Matt Wilson.

Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy will serve as the Interim President of ��߲�� starting in August. Kennedy is currently Western’s vice provost. According to a release from the University, her focus in that role has been on Western’s strategic plan, Pathways to Excellence, including strengthening student success, creating new partnerships and expanding applied learning.

News-Press NOW: Student governor completes MWSU board

kheier — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:36:52 +0000

��߲�� has acted to fill its lone vacancy on the Board of Governors by naming one of its students to the position.

The board, which is appointed with input from the university by Gov. Mike Parson, has had seven voting members over the course of the year. After a state of financial emergency came into force in March, the campus saw acts to reduce expenses, such as a three-year phase-out of many academic programs. This has resulted in dozens of job losses, and more are likely on tap. Hannah Berry, a junior studying economics, will attend for future such decisions at her first meeting as student governor on Thursday, June 25, though she will not have a vote.

“I’m really looking forward to being in the board meeting and understanding, you know, how I can be a positive impact for those in those conversations that we’re going to be having,” Berry said.

Junior Hannah Berry named student governor

kheier — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:07:19 +0000

Hannah Berry

June 12, 2020–Hannah Berry has been appointed by Gov. Mike Parson as student governor on the ��߲�� Board of Governors. Berry’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.

“I am so honored to have been appointed to the position of Student Governor,” Berry said. “I am looking forward to serving my peers and MWSU in this new role.”

Berry is a junior economics major from Liberty, Missouri. She works at Hy-Vee in St. Joseph and for Public Partnerships in Liberty. She has volunteered at a number of organizations, including Liberty Christian Fellowship, Camp Barnabas, Alphapointe Association for the Blind and Inclusions Connections Northland KC. On campus, Berry has been involved in Student Government Association and has been on the President’s Honor Roll with a 4.0 grade point average.��

Berry succeeds Paul Granberry III of St. Louis, whose term expired last December. As student governor, she will be a non-voting member of the board. She will be sworn in at the next board meeting in June, and her term will expire Dec. 31, 2021.��

Board of Governors approves financial strategy

kheier — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 21:58:00 +0000

April 29, 2020–By a unanimous vote, the Board of Governors at ��߲�� approved a financial strategy recommended by university administration to focus on programmatic strengths, align expenses with revenue, reduce costs and add new programs responsive to marketplace demands.

With nearly all universities facing unprecedented challenges, Missouri Western has responded over the past nine months by initiating measures to stabilize its finances and crafting innovative strategies to better serve students going forward.��

Working from a comprehensive review of under-enrolled programs vetted by a nine-member Academic Review Board composed of Missouri Western faculty and administrators, the campus community provided extensive feedback to the Provost about potentially phasing out and suspending admissions into certain programs that have consistently failed to meet the minimum state threshold of 10 graduates per year.��

Last week, President Matt Wilson recommended to the Board of Governors that Missouri Western add six new programs (cinema, law, applied mathematics, esports management, cybersecurity, and earth and environmental science) and retain nearly 60 vibrant programs while phasing out and suspending new admissions into under-enrolled majors or concentrations in 20 areas over the course of the next three years. Of note, 80% of the programs recommended for phase-out enroll on average fewer than four students per year.��

The University’s shift away from under-enrolled courses and programs should ultimately yield $5 million in savings annually through personnel alignments. In addition, President Wilson recommended more than $1 million in budget savings from the administrative salary and athletics budgets.

“These actions will help sustain the University through difficult financial times, but it has involved a heartbreaking process, with very difficult decisions that affect our entire campus community,” Wilson said. “As challenging as this is, it is imperative that we join together to build up Missouri Western with positivity and hope. Working together, we can assure that the University will continue to serve students, prepare them for careers, and fulfill our important mission with strength, dedication and resolve.”

The recommendations, including the full list of academic program recommendations can be found here. Advising teams will begin working immediately with students in affected programs to determine a pathway to complete their degree over the course of the next three years.��

The recommended reductions in staffing levels will occur between now and the end of 2021. Reductions will occur through the elimination of vacant positions, voluntary retirements, non-renewal of year-to-year contracts of non-tenured faculty, and one-year terminal contracts for tenured faculty.��

“We appreciate that the faculty impacted are quality professors who have dedicated their time and talents to Missouri Western,” Wilson said. “I am genuinely grateful for their dedication to our students and university. We only wish there were other options to get us through these challenging times.”

President Wilson recommends cost savings exceeding $6 million per year

kheier — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 18:00:17 +0000

April 24, 2020–President Matt Wilson recommended a comprehensive set of cost-saving measures to the ��߲�� Board of Governors. The Board will vote on the recommendations to save more than $6 million annually at its video conference meeting Wednesday, April 29.

In March, Missouri Western initiated an academic review process focusing on low enrollment programs. Higher education institutions across the country continue to grapple with downward student enrollment trends, strained state funding resources, rising costs, deferred maintenance needs, long-term debt and now the economic impact of COVID-19. Missouri Western’s academic review process is designed to address these challenges while reducing costs, strengthening core programs and stabilizing the University’s financial health.��

“As Missouri Western takes strategic measures to extricate itself from this delicate position, we seek to bring our offerings and staffing into balance with our enrollment numbers and expenses,” Wilson said, noting that over the past decade, full-time undergraduate students have decreased by about 1,000 students while staffing levels have increased.��

Dr. Doug Davenport, provost and vice president for academic affairs, submitted his final recommendations to President Wilson earlier this week, the culmination of a process that included analysis by a nine-member Academic Review Board, preliminary recommendations by Dr. Davenport and then feedback from the campus and community members. Dr. Davenport then submitted his final report, which forms the basis of President Wilson’s recommendations.

“The program review and feedback phase yielded creative solutions that enabled some programs originally recommended for phasing out to be restructured or retained,” Wilson said. “This collaborative and innovative thinking is what Missouri Western needs to serve students and remain relevant and competitive in today’s rapidly changing landscape. I am appreciative of the hard work, time and thoughtful solutions brought forth by our faculty and staff.”

President Wilson’s report includes five strategic recommendations:

Senior leadership/administration restructuring to achieve an additional annual savings of approximately $600,000 per year
Adjustments and contributions to reduce the impact of athletics expenses on the university’s budget by approximately $500,000 per year
Program phase-out or restructuring for annual salary savings of approximately $5 million per year
New degree programs and initiatives together with the option of redesigning other programs that can be operated within recommended staffing levels
Other efficiencies to reduce costs and increase revenues

“There is no question we have faced unprecedented challenges — from a state of financial distress to the yet unknown economic impact of COVID-19,” President Wilson said. “Over the past nine months, we have been discussing how to best overcome these challenges. Albeit extremely difficult for everyone impacted, we have developed a plan that can achieve sustainability.”

Based on the feedback and recommendations received since the Academic Review Board’s report, President Wilson is proposing that the following degree programs be retained or redesigned including:

B.S.E. in Secondary Education
B.S. in Chemistry
B.S. in Applied Mathematics
B.S. in Health Information Management
B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science/Med. Tech.
B.M.E. in Music/Vocal
B.M.E. in Music/Instrumental
B.M. in Music Technology & Industry/B.M. in Music Performance & Industry
B.S. in Convergent Journalism
B.S. in Strategic Communication
Minor in Technical Communication (English)
Minor in Art History

New programs that are recommended for roll-out or development include:

Bachelor of Applied Arts in Performing and Cinematic Arts
Bachelor of Science in Law
Bachelor of Science in Math/Applied Mathematics with an emphasis on data analysis
Bachelor of Science in Recreation Sports Management/esports management and a minor in the same; and
Minor in Environmental and Earth Science.��

In addition to the programs listed above, existing majors and concentrations also recommended to be retained for additional strengthening and emphasis include: graphic design, digital animation, biochemistry & molecular biology, biology, biology/health sciences, wildlife conservation and management, computer science, cybersecurity, psychology, criminal justice, legal studies, forensic investigations, law enforcement, legal assistant, criminal justice/law enforcement, criminal justice/legal studies, early childhood education, elementary education, special education, education assessment, TESOL, physical education, recreation sports management, physical therapist, population health management, nursing, health care leadership, nurse educator, accounting, finance, management, human resources, marketing, supply chain management, MBA in business administration, MBA in forensic accounting, MBA and nursing, manufacturing engineering technology, and construction engineering technology among others.��

On April 29th, the Board of Governors will consider proposals to suspend new admissions into under-enrolled majors and concentrations that are too costly to continue and phase these programs out over a three-year period (rather than the initial recommendation of two years). These programs include: art, studio art, speech and theatre, speech communication, history, philosophy, applied computer technology, English, Spanish, French, technical communications, political science, sociology, economics, interdisciplinary studies, biotechnology, theatre and cinema and international studies. One under-enrolled graduate degree in Engineering Technology Management will also be recommended for phase-out.��

Of note, Missouri Western will continue to strengthen its science programs and offer multiple majors in biology and chemistry, but will consolidate several under-enrolled concentrations into stronger core degrees. The University will do the same type of shift with concentrations in computer science, psychology, criminal justice, secondary education, physical education, and recreation sports management in an effort to respond to student demand.��

“Despite the challenges we face it is my hope that we can come together and support the University with hope for the future of Missouri Western, our students, campus and community. With understanding and support, Missouri Western can heal and emerge poised to transform and thrive.” Wilson added that “while we simply cannot be everything to everyone, focusing on our core strengths will enable us to grow stronger and thrive.”

Two construction projects receive board approval

kheier — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 18:26:22 +0000

March 31, 2020–The Board of Governors at ��߲�� unanimously approved two bids for facility improvements via telephone poll on March 31.

Hearnes renovation

The board approved a bid of $233,500 from Lawhon Construction Company of St. Joseph to renovate space on the first floor of the Hearnes Center to house the Missouri Western Bookstore. The work includes new light fixtures, flooring and ceiling tile replacement, electrical additions, mechanical revisions, removing walls and painting. The current bookstore space in Blum Student Union is being converted into a student-use space for interactive gaming and viewing as part of Missouri Western’s new esports program. A portion of the renovation costs is being paid by a private source.

Wilson Hall roof replacement

The board approved a bid of $372,899 from Seaman & Schuske Metal Works of St. Joseph to replace the roof on Wilson Hall. The current aging roof is leaking and unable to be adequately repaired. Replacing the roof will prevent damage to the interior of the building and save Missouri Western additional costs later. The project includes the removal of existing roof systems and replacement that includes insulation, cover board and new TPO membrane and flashings. The new roof will include a 20-year warranty.

Both votes will be ratified by the Board of Governors at its April 29 meeting.��

Board approves policy to stabilize finances

kheier — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 14:45:06 +0000

Feb. 28, 2020— The Board of Governors at ��߲�� approved a strategic policy yesterday designed to further stabilize finances for the institution while facilitating an enhanced focus and a strengthening of the University’s academic programs.

“We have made progress in terms of achieving financial stability this year. At the same time, we are not immune to the continuing forces driving unprecedented change across the higher education sector,” said President Matt Wilson. “It is our responsibility to innovate, develop offerings responsive to the marketplace and invest in our strengths in order to chart a course that ensures student success and the long-term fiscal strength of the university.”

A financial advisory council has been formed to review the financial situation, explore what progress has been made and make recommendations for attaining long-term financial stability and growth. The financial advisory council consists of representatives from the president’s cabinet, Faculty Senate, academic deans, Staff Association and Student Government Association.

In October of last year, the Board approved a revised operating budget with a $3.178 million projected deficit. While the institution has closed the gap through cost-savings measures, a $2.4 million gap remains.

“We need to be frugal without sacrificing focus, innovation and our commitment to students,” said President Wilson. “More than anything though, it is critical that we find ways to stabilize our financial position, reimagine our institutional identity, become even more distinctive and focus our limited resources in areas of strength.”