MSU-West Plains News

  • Drago College Store Updates

    It’s a busy time of year for just about everyone on campus, including the great folks who work at the Drago College Store!

    Closed for Inventory

    The Drago Store, located on Missouri State-West Plains campus, will be closed on May 1, 2026, for inventory. The store will re-open on May 4th.

    Drago College Store will be closed May 1, 2026, to conduct its annual inventory. The bookstore will re-open May 4, 2026.

    Textbook Buyback

    The Drago College Store will be conducting the end of semester textbook buyback Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8, 2026.

    Drago College Store will be conducting the end of semester buyback Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Remember to bring a form of photo identification!

    Sidewalk Sale

    Drago College Store will be hosting the annual Sidewalk Sale May 4-8. See the attached flyer for discounts up to 70% off!

    Drago College Store will be hosting the annual Sidewalk Sale May 4 – 8. 

    Monday: 40% off
    Tuesday: 50% off
    Wednesday: 60% off
    Thursday and Friday: 70% off

    For more information, contact the Drago Store at 417-255-7227 or fill out their contact form.

  • Grizzly Greenhouse Plant Sale

    The Grizzly Greenhouse, located at 210 Pennsylvania Avenue, across the street from the West Plains Public Library, is having a plant sale!

    For additional information, contact Samantha Osborn Wadkins

  • Tree Planting Ceremony, April 22

    Tree Planting Ceremony, April 22

    Arbor Day 2026 flyer

    For several years, Physical Plant has planted trees on campus to celebrate Arbor Day. This year, in celebration of Earth Day, on Wednesday, April 22, at 10 a.m., Physical Plant will plant a tree on the lawn between the Neurodiversity and Autism Center and the amphitheater located near the Smith-London Bell Tower.

    Everyone is invited to join in the celebration. The first 50 people to attend will receive a complimentary Redbud tree seedling. The event is free and open to faculty, staff, students and West Plains community.

    For questions, please call Physical Plant at 417-255-7268

     

  • Career Services for the week of April 20, 2026

    Career services will have college representatives on site for those who wish to know more about matriculating to MSU or ASU.

    MSU Representative visit
    Tuesday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Lybyer Hall

    ASU Representative visit
    Thursday, April 23, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Looney Hall

    Questions? Contact Career Services at 417-255-7230 or email WPCareer@MissouriState.edu.

  • Your Voice Matters

    Your Voice Matters

    Hey, Grizzlies!

    On Wednesday, April 22, you will receive a text message from Grizz asking you to share your experience and help drive positive change at Missouri State-West Plains.

    Please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey. We want to hear your feedback to help MSU-WP even better.

    Contact Michael Orf for additional information.

  • Career Services available this week

    Students and Alumni can prepare for entering the job market by attending events hosted by Career Services

    Thursday, April 16, noon – 1 p.m.
    Lybyer Hall, Room 204

    Want to learn more about creating a Cover Letter and Resume? Come attend the Resume and Cover Letter Workshop held in Lybyer 204.

    Resumé and Portfolio Café
    Thursday, April 16, 1 – 2 p.m.
    Lybyer Hall, Room 210

    Come enjoy coffee as you polish up on your old resume or need to create a new one. You can even get help with creating a cover letter or learn interview tips as you look for your future job! The Career Service office is located in Lybyer 210.

  • HR Live Sessions – 2025 Performance Review – Evaluation Process

    This session focuses on the evaluation process for both the employees and the supervisors in support of the rating cycle that starts on April 15. We will review the steps for completing the evaluation process. Employee goals should be updated and approved by the supervisor prior to starting the rating process which runs April 15 through June 30, 2026.

    The new virtual HR Live training sessions are available for registration through My Learning Connection, search under “ADP” to locate and register.  The sessions are for both supervisors and employees. The HR Employee Relations webpage has additional information and resources available about the process.

    For additional information, contact:

    Alyssa Collins
    Assistant Director, Human Resources
    Institutional Compliance Liaison
    Missouri State University-West Plains
    128 Garfield Ave.
    West Plains, MO 65775
    417-255-7265

  • Strategic Planning Workshop #3

    Strategic Planning Workshop #3

    Interactive Workshop #3
    April 24, from 2 – 4 p.m.
    Student Recreation Center

    Hello, Grizzlies!

    Thank you for your continued engagement as we move deeper into the strategic planning process. Our Strategic Planning Goal Work Groups that were assigned to each goal have been making steady progress, incorporating campus feedback into the final goal statements, strategies, and outcomes. Groups are also identifying the individuals, departments, and divisions that will be responsible for tracking each outcome, helping ensure clarity and accountability as we move toward implementation.

    This workshop is open to all faculty and staff, and we encourage you to join us. You’ll have the chance to hear how campus feedback has shaped the final plan and gain a deeper understanding of the goals and strategies that will guide our next steps.

    Thank you again for your thoughtful contributions and collaboration. We look forward to seeing many of you on April 24.

    Lindsey Waggoner | Jason McCollom
    Co-Chairs for 2026-2031 Strategic Planning Committee
    Missouri State University-West Plains
    128 Garfield Ave.
    West Plains, MO 65775
    Lindsey’s Phone: 417-255-7230
    Jason’s Phone: 417-255-7284

  • China Study Abroad

    Informational Meeting
    Monday, April 13, 2 – 3 p.m.
    Lybyer Hall, Room 205

    Students can travel abroad while earning their associate degree

    Have you dreamed of being able to travel to other countries, to experience other cultures, and to learn other languages?  Well, here is your chance!  You can do all of this while earning your associate degree through the China Study Abroad Program at the Missouri State University-West Plains campus in Dalian, China.  You will be provided round trip air fare and lodging, and financial aid or scholarship funds received through Missouri State University may be applied to this program.

    How to Learn More

    Have questions about the program? Well, now is their chance to get those questions answered. Make plans to attend an informational meeting scheduled for April 13th from 2 to 3 p.m. in Lybyer Hall 205. Dr. Michael Orf, vice-chancellor of academic affairs, and others will give an overview of the trip and answer any questions you might have.

    How to Apply

    To apply for the China Study Abroad program, you will need to submit:

    • an application,
    • two letters of academic reference, and
    • a statement of why you want to participate in this program.

    An interview is required.  The application deadline for the Fall 2026 China Study Away program is April 24th, 2026

    Applicants must be in good standing at Missouri State-West Plains and have completed at least 24 hours of college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.75.

    Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. We hope to see you there!

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

    Michael Orf
    Vice Chancellor
    Academic Affairs
    417-255-7272
    michaelorf@missouristate.edu

  • Spring Potluck 2026

    Faculty and Staff are invited to attend the 2026 Spring Potluck

    Friday, May 8, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    The Richards House
    212 South Harlin Drive.

    Overflow parking will be available at Kellett Hall with a shuttle available to the Richards House. Please do not park on Garrett Street.

    Click here to view the flyer as a pdf

    Click here to view the sign up genius link.

    Contact Quin Patterson for additional information.