Message from Chancellor Shirley Lawler to Faculty and Staff

Fall has arrived, and even though the temperature outside says otherwise, I’m sure we’ll need our jackets in a couple of weeks.

I would like to thank everyone who turned out for the employee picnic at the Richards House. We had a great time, and Landmark Bank did a super job as the cooking crew. We will plan on making this an annual event.

The academic year is off to an exciting start with the opening of Hass-Darr Hall. This beautiful building is home to many of our academic and student services departments and will serve as a central hub for our students. At the dedication ceremony, our Student Government Association President Lyndsey Parker said it best when she said, “this building will stand as a place to bring everyone and everything together on campus.” Please stop by and tour the building if you were unable to attend the grand opening.

The Ozarks Studies Symposium was held on our campus in late September, and there was a wonderful turnout for the event. I was so impressed by the presentations that were listed as part of the program, as well as the inspiring artwork that was displayed at the West Plains Civic Center. If you missed the symposium this year, be sure and mark your calendar for next year. It is a very impressive event, and many of our faculty not only attend, but they also present their published works of literature and research.

Hopefully, you’ve been able to attend a volleyball game or perhaps you came out to support the basketball team on Monday for their “Moonlight Madness” opening practice. The athletes appreciate our support, and it provides a great avenue to connect the community with our campus.

There are many activities on campus during the month of October, including…

Items of Note

• Oct. 12-13: Come out and support the Lady Grizzlies at the Grizzly Invitational Volleyball Tournament this Friday and Saturday. Game times for the Grizzlies are 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 12 and 5 and 7 p.m. Oct. 13.
• Oct. 22-26: Ask Week is coming up soon, and it is a key initiative in our retention effort. All faculty and staff are encouraged to remind students about ASK Week and Early Registration, Oct. 29-Nov.9.
• Check out the Web Master Calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.

Always remember, what we do each day for students does make a difference.

Shirley Lawler