NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University's Board of Regents convened for its regular session on Thursday to discuss and approve the institution's goals and strategic themes for fiscal year 2025. The focus areas include enrollment growth, sustainability, the collegiate experience, and the University's personnel.

The board reviewed specific goals aimed at enhancing the undergraduate brand, increasing enrollment, and improving academic experiences to ensure long-term viability. For employees, there are plans to implement a total compensation system and a succession planning program.

During a morning work session, updates were provided on infrastructure projects, enrollment figures, and academic restructuring efforts. Northwest began its $105 million infrastructure project over the summer. The first phase is nearing completion with upgrades to chillers at the chiller plant as well as electrical infrastructure and water systems across campus. This project aims for completion in 2026.

"Everything we’re doing now is for the future," stated Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum. He expressed gratitude towards staff efforts on these projects: "This work is to allow the University to not only manage what we have currently but places us in a position to take advantage of whatever future opportunities that may come to us."

Despite a 5.3 percent decrease in total headcount from last year, Northwest is partnering with a higher education marketing agency to enhance recruitment strategies. "I think what we have learned in the last six months is that there are opportunities for our recruitment and admissions processes to be more efficient," Tatum said.

Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman discussed plans for restructuring academic units which aim at operational efficiencies while fostering student growth through strategic partnerships across disciplines. She anticipates having this new structure ready by fall 2025.

"We’re excited about upcoming changes in our academic structure," said Dr. Robert Voss during his report to the Board: "From faculty perspective...a more standardized structure will enhance accountability...improve capacity for collaboration...ensure raising bar for academic excellence."

In other business matters approved were seven adjunct faculty appointments; cybersecurity updates presented by Kevin Cagg emphasizing ransomware threats; ratification of three-year agreement with Cengage Learning Inc.; recognition of award recipients presented back in August.

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