Message from Chancellor Shirley Lawler to Faculty and Staff
Greetings from Kellett Hall!
It would appear that summer has arrived even though the calendar still shows us in spring. Hopefully, you are dodging the thunderstorms and getting out and enjoying some of the sunshine that occasionally shines through the clouds.
Thanks to all who attended our 2019 commencement ceremony. What a wonderful, exciting time for our students! It is truly a glorious sight to see everyone in their regalia and marching into a packed auditorium of family and friends. We had more than 270 graduates this year and nearly 50 bachelor’s and master’s degrees were awarded through MSU’s Outreach program. More than 5,770 students have graduated since we started conferring degrees in 1978.
As we begin the summer months, please mark your calendars for our first “Where’s the fun?” activity at 2 p.m. June 28 at Hass-Darr Hall. The administrative council members will serve ice cream to all employees, and then we will close the University from 3 to 5 p.m. to begin our weekend a couple of hours early. Look for more “fun” days in the coming months, and feel free to send us suggestions for these activities as we seek out ways to add a little spice to the workweek.
The amphitheater is nearing completion, and we hope to have an activity at the site as soon as construction is completed. Again, send us your suggestions for events that could be held at the new venue. We look forward to everyone utilizing the area including students, employees, as well as community and civic groups.
The police substation, located in the west end of Drago Hall, should be completed this next week. We are looking forward to welcoming the officers to our campus. With the start of the new academic year in August, we will have an event to introduce the police chief, Stephen Monticelli, and his officers to our employees. We are looking forward to a very positive partnership with this department.
Members of the MSU Board of Governors will join us on campus June 20-21. We are delighted to host this group and showcase some of the programs and events that are taking place on our campus. Our city leaders always turn out for the Board meeting to show their support for the West Plains campus, and we are very appreciative of their support. The board meeting will be at 1 p.m. June 21 in the civic center Magnolia Room.
I hope everyone finds time for some rest and relaxation during the summer months. Please feel free to call and come by the office anytime. Some of our upcoming events are…
- June 21, Board of Governors’ meeting, 1 to 5 p.m. Magnolia Room in West Plains Civic Center
- June 28, “Where’s the Fun” Ice Cream Social, 2 to 3 p.m., Carol Silvey Student Union in Hass-Darr Hall
- July 4-5, Independence Day, No classes, offices closed
Always remember, what you do each day for students does make a difference.
Shirley Lawler