Missouri Western State University’s Board of Governors seeks an adaptable, mission-driven servant leader to guide the institution. The ideal candidate must possess a strong commitment to public higher education and the strategic vision necessary to navigate and succeed in today’s complex academic landscape.

Who we are

Leadership Profile

Academic Programs

Learn more about our undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Accreditation and other Information

MoWest is preparing for an HLC site visit in October.

Griffon Athletics

Proud member of NCAA Division II and the MIAA.

Houlne Center for Convergent Technology

Hands-on learning in emerging technical fields.

Institutional Research

MoWest by the numbers.

Workforce Development/SBDC

MoWest is the premiere workforce development training institute for the region.

Who we’re looking for

Latest News and Updates

Search Committee

The Missouri Western State University Board of Governors has appointed a search committee to help find MoWest’s seventh president, composed of Board members, faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors and the community:

  • Chair: Bill Grimwood, MWSU Board of Governors; Chief Information Officer, Hillyard Companies
  • Todd Michalski ’92, MWSU Board of Governors; Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Gray Manufacturing
  • Lisa Norton, MWSU Board of Governors; CEO, BioZyme Incorporated
  • Natalie Hawn ’00, President & CEO, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
  • Dr. Kelly Henry, Professor and Department Chair, Psychology
  • Kathy Kelly, Past President of Staff Association; Administrative Coordinator, College of Business and Professional Studies
  • Jana Laipple, Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration
  • Unyque Mallett, Student Government Association Vice President
  • Monty Smith, President of Faculty Senate; Professor of Criminal Justice; Graduate Program Director
  • Mike Poore, CEO of Mosaic Life Care
  • Zack Workman ’74, retired business owner, President, MoWest Gold Coat Club

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the search committee chair will provide regular updates to the MoWest community at critical points of the search. Please watch your email and check this website periodically to view those updates.

The search committee chair is the sole official spokesperson for the search committee. The chair will provide regular updates to the MoWest community, and will address any questions or concerns from members of the community through the duration of the search process.

The search committee is tasked with overseeing the process of the search and bringing the best candidates to the Board of Governors for consideration. They review candidates and complete initial interviews with semi-finalists.

As per the confidentiality agreement and charge to the search committee, the search committee chair is the only person authorized to speak on behalf of the search committee and the search process. You may use the contact form below to contact the chair directly.

The search committee is restricted in the information that they are able to share with the MoWest community or anyone else. The confidential statement that all members have signed requires that they not share any information discussed during search committee meetings and that they not share any information related to candidates, even after the search has closed.

We expect that many of our candidates hold key positions at other institutions, and will only submit an application if confidentiality is guaranteed. Members of the search committee have signed an agreement that secures confidentiality for all discussions and deliberations related to the presidential search.

Members of the MoWest community are encouraged to participate in forums specifically designed to gather input from staff, faculty, students, and community members. 

When finalist candidates are selected, students and employees will be invited to attend and participate in on-campus sessions with the finalists sometime in August. In addition to a campus-wide forum, candidates will meet with representatives from all key constituent groups during the time of their campus interview. An online feedback form will be distributed to all individuals who have met with the final candidates to ensure that feedback is gathered. Feedback from the community will be shared with the search committee as they deliberate on the strengths of and any concerns about each of the final candidates for consideration by the Board of Governors.

Yes, everyone who attends a campus forum or a meeting with the finalists will be sent an online feedback form. Completed forms will be reviewed by the search committee.

The Board of Governors has full responsibility for appointing the new president. Following the on-campus interviews, they will meet to determine which of the finalists will be offered the position and complete any necessary negotiations.

The anticipated start date is September 1. The position will remain open until we find the right person.

Comments and Feedback

The Presidential Search Committee invites the campus and community to provide input into the search process for Missouri Western’s next President. Please submit a comment using the form below. Thank you!

collage of MoWest students