April 2, 2025–Missouri Western State University has named Dr. Andy Otto as vice president of enrollment management and marketing. Dr. Otto is currently vice president of enrollment services at William Woods University, Fulton, Missouri. Dr. Otto will begin his duties April 23, 2025.
“I’m excited to welcome Dr. Andy Otto to the Griffon family,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Missouri Western’s president. “Dr. Otto brings years of proven experience in admissions and enrollment management. At William Woods, he helped secure the university’s highest total enrollment and the largest incoming class in more than 40 years. I’m convinced his determination and enthusiasm will bring success to our student recruitment efforts.”
Dr. Otto has been at William Woods since 2022. Previously, he served nine years at his alma mater, Ottawa University, Kansas, including five years as director of enrollment management.
“I am grateful to President Kennedy and Missouri Western for this opportunity to serve as vice president of enrollment management and marketing. Missouri Western’s commitment to applied learning, student access and experience creates exceptional opportunities for its students, truly bringing the ‘More at MoWest’ promise to life,” said Dr. Otto. “I look forward to building on the great work already happening at the university and working alongside faculty, staff, and the community to expand Missouri Western’s reach and impact.”
The vice president of enrollment management and marketing is a newly configured role for the University, serving as chief enrollment officer and chief communications officer. Dr. Otto will supervise Missouri Western’s offices of Admissions and Marketing and Communications.
A native of Drexel, Missouri, Dr. Otto completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University. He earned both his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in English from Ottawa University.
Missouri Western State University 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 missouriwestern.edu.