NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University’s Board of Regents has approved several measures, including a grant funding application and new appointments, during its recent meeting.

The Board authorized the university to apply for a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources through the Land and Water Conservation Fund program. If Northwest receives this grant, it will fund half of an estimated $485,512 project to improve Bearcat Trail on campus. Planned upgrades include replacing about 1,510 linear feet of sidewalk, widening them to eight feet, and adding workout stations and benches. The project could start as early as 2027.

The meeting also included a proclamation honoring John Moore, who resigned in June after seven years on the Board. Moore is a 1978 graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and served as Board chair from 2020 to 2023. He led the university’s presidential search process in 2022-23 and continued serving past his official term expiration in January 2023.

During remarks at the Lamkin Activity Center’s Harr Athletic Success Center, Moore said, “I always did feel like I was trying to do what was best for the University. I care deeply about this place, the people who work at this place, the people who have attended this place and the people who are attending this place. It’s a magical experience that not many people get to have.”

Vice President of Finance and Administration Stacy Carrick presented annual appropriations requests submitted by Northwest for fiscal year 2027. These requests seek increased core appropriations for retirement system costs and funding for a center focused on rural health.

Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Kevin Cagg gave an update on cybersecurity practices at Northwest Missouri State University. He reported that ransomware continues to be the main threat facing the university’s technology systems.

In other business, three appointments were approved for the University Police Department: Lt. Marcus Holmes, Jason Weir, and Tanner McKinney.

The Board also agreed to an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with Nodaway County Emergency Services Board through December 31, 2039. This agreement ensures that law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, and central dispatching will continue serving Northwest’s campus community.

Additionally, eight adjunct faculty appointments were approved for the upcoming academic year.

The Board of Regents oversees resource management at Northwest Missouri State University and sets general educational and financial policies.