NW Missouri Times

Just weeks ahead of students arriving on campus to begin a new academic year, Northwest Missouri State University’s Board of Regents on Friday approved a pair of renovation projects, in addition to a series of hires and policy changes.

Regents approved a $1.7 million project to renovate and modernize four academic laboratories in the Garrett-Strong Science Building, including the acquisition of leading-edge equipment and learning tools to support education. The University will fund the project with the assistance of a MoExcels grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, which will provide 70 percent of the project cost, or about $1.19 million. Northwest will provide the remaining $510,000 to complete the project.

Northwest expects the upgraded lab spaces to enhance program capacity and training for students studying in healthcare and wellness-related fields such as anatomy and physiology, medical nutrition, exercise prescription, health and wellness, biology, biochemistry, and biomechanics.

In bringing the proposal to the Board, Northwest Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman explained that pending the construction bid process and awarding a contract, the renovation could begin as soon as December with construction continuing through the spring semester.

The Board also approved heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment upgrades at Roberta Hall at a total cost of $275,000. Northwest Vice President of Finance and Administration Stacy Carrick explained that staff recently uncovered failures in Roberta Hall’s HVAC system and sought to address it immediately so the residence hall is ready for occupancy this fall. With approval from the Board, Northwest will pay for these upgrades through savings in its Auxiliary Services fund.

In his report to the Board, Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum noted that move-in day is set for Thursday, Aug. 22, with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 26. The Bearcat football team kicks off its season on Thursday, Aug. 29 against Minnesota State University at Bearcat Stadium.

Tatum formally announced new appointments: “She also distinguished herself through the interview process,” Tatum added. “She handled herself very well. She had great insight into the institution’s culture and what she thought would be needed to move us forward.”

Further construction work has begun on campus this summer: “This is such a significant step forward for the University,” Tatum said. “This is going to put the University in a great position.”

Additionally, regents approved five full-time faculty appointments and 115 adjunct faculty positions for 2024-25.

The Board hired Samantha Fugate per Missouri statute; previously employed by Missouri Department of Corrections she is attending Missouri Western State University Law Enforcement Academy starting her appointment in January upon completion.

A Pregnancy Modification policy was also approved addressing accommodations for pregnant students or employees under new Title IX guidelines released by U.S. Department of Education in April including access to online education excused absences scheduling or course changes codifying existing accommodations managed by Student Affairs office.

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