Message from Chancellor Shirley Lawler to Faculty and Staff
Happy July!
We are quickly sailing through summer, and it’s hard to believe we are about to celebrate the 4th of July. I hope you are enjoying some of the beautiful weather we are having—between the thunderstorms.
I am so pleased to report that our enrollment was up for the summer semester. The total credit hours being taken by our students was up by 7% on the census date, June 19. At the current time, our fall enrollment is trending downward; however, we have strategies in place to try to increase our numbers for the coming semester. We have a very dedicated group working on recruitment and retention and several STAR sessions remaining this summer. We are hopeful that we can stabilize our numbers in the coming weeks.
The MSU Board of Governors were on campus June 20-21 for their yearly visit to West Plains. While here for the BOG meeting, board members were able to tour the new police substation and attend a reception for community members in Hass-Darr Hall. The board was very complimentary of our campus. Thanks to everyone who helped with the events and meetings during the board’s visit to West Plains.
Doesn’t the campus look beautiful right now? The flowers and grounds are just gorgeous! If you see Ron Hensley’s team, please thank them for all their hard work. In addition to keeping the campus grounds manicured, they have had much storm damage to clean up, as well. We so appreciate all their hard work.
I hope that you were able to come by Hass-Darr Hall last Friday for some ice cream. I always enjoy activities that bring the entire campus together for good food and good conversation. Ideally, one of our next activities will be held at the amphitheater. If you haven’t driven by lately, it’s almost finished!
It will soon be August and time to welcome students to campus for the fall semester. Some of the back to school activities include…
- Aug. 17, Move-In Day, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., one-hour slots available, Grizzly House and Grizzly Lofts
- Aug. 17, Grizzly Volleyball Alumni Scrimmage, 3 p.m., West Plains Civic Center arena
- Aug. 19, Welcome Week, 10 a.m., West Plains Civic Center arena
Always remember, what you do each day for students does make a difference.
Shirley Lawler