MSU-West Plains News

  • HIGH Fitness and YO

    All HIGH and YO classes are free to Missouri State faculty, staff and students

    HIGH is a modern twist on aerobics in a non-stop, action-packed mix of cardio, toning and push tracks. Bring tennis shoes and water.

    YO is a modern twist on deep stretching that will take strength, balance and flexibility to the next level. Bring a mat and water.

    Fitness Instructor: Courtney Hughes

    Depending on Student Recreation Center availability, some weeks may be altered

    Check the monthly calendar on Instagram at @h.i.g.h.withcourt 

    Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 25, YO class will begin at 4:30 p.m.
    HIGH class will start on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 4:30 p.m.
    Both classes will be held at the Student Recreation Center.

    For more information, contact Courtney Hughes at 417-293-3296

     

  • Campus Parking

    Message from Administrative Operations

    As the semester gets underway, we would like to remind all MSU-WP faculty, staff, and students to pay close attention to campus parking regulations.

    The area surrounding the First Methodist Church, highlighted in red on the map, is a “No Parking Zone.” Please remind students, faculty and staff to park in university parking lots.

    Vehicles should be parked only in the designated gray parking lots identified on the campus parking map. The Methodist Church parking lot is not an approved student parking area. Unauthorized vehicles parked in the church parking lot may be ticketed.

    Additionally, the church parking lot is shared with a daycare facility. If you are driving through this area, please slow down and use extra caution to help ensure the safety of children, families, and staff.

    If you still need a parking permit, you may purchase or pick one up in the Business Office, located in Hass-Darr Hall, Room 110

    Questions may be directed to Keri Elrod, Associate Vice-Chancellor Administrative Operations at KeriElrod@MissouriState.edu or 417-255-7966.

     

  • Welcome Week

    Welcome Week

    Welcome Week has arrived! The good folks in Student Services have a great line-up to kick off the 2026-2027 semester with a bang!

    To view the schedule, go to the Welcome Week webpage or view the Welcome Week Flyer.

    Contact Douglas Cooley for additional information.

  • Profile Picture (Headshot) Day

    Profile Picture (Headshot) Day

    To assist the scheduling process, please fill out this brief sign-up form.

    On Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., a Springfield photographer will be on campus before the evening’s volleyball game to take a professional photo for staff and faculty.

    This photo will be used to update pages such as the People Search navigation menu and news releases featuring faculty and staff.

    What: Profile Picture Day
    When: Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 2 – 4:30 p.m.
    Where: Lybyer Hall, Room 201

    For additional questions, please contact Marketing and Communications.

  • Move-In Weekend Volunteers Needed!

    Move-In Weekend Volunteers Needed!

      Please make plans to help our students move into their rooms at the Grizzly Lofts Aug. 14 & 15.

    Move-In day is one of the most important days in Residence Life. It is a special and unique time for Residence Life staff members to showcase a student-centered approach that students come first. It is also a good opportunity for the University Community members to make connections with the students and parents while helping them move personal belongings into their respective rooms.

    Residence Life staff members would greatly appreciate it if you would be able to join us on Friday, August 14 or Saturday, August 15, to demonstrate through servant leadership philosophy our passion, dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the residents as they move into the Grizzly Lofts.

    Below is sign up information:

    https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EAAA72AA3F4C70-65057205-movein

    Please pay special attention to the information below:

    Both exempt and nonexempt employees interested in participating during their regular work schedule should request release time from their supervisor. For volunteer events occurring outside the regular work schedule, nonexempt employees should ask their supervisor for their permission to participate and whether the supervisor will adjust their work schedule in the same work week to accommodate their participation outside of their normal work schedule and keep their work hours at 40 for the week or pay overtime for the additional hours.

    Thank you,

    Trace Winfrey
    Coordinator of Residence Life

     

  • Student One-Stop Shop Ribbon-Cutting event

    Student One-Stop Shop Ribbon-Cutting event

    Please join us for a ribbon-cutting event and Nacho bar at the Student One-Stop Shop inside Hass-Darr

    On Monday, August 3, at 2 p.m.

    Over the summer, the Missouri State University-West Plains campus made significant changes to create a more convenient resource for the student body. Beginning this fall, students can access Admissions, Academic Advising and Support, Student Life, the Drago College Store, Financial Aid, Business office, and Registration and Records, all located in Hass-Darr Hall.

    By bringing these essential services together in one location, the university is making it easier for students to access the resources and support they need throughout their academic journey.

    Join us in celebrating this newly enhanced student-centered space with a ribbon cutting ceremony!

    Contact Autumn Collins for additional information.
    AutumnCollins@MissouriState.edu
    417-255-7900

     

  • Grizzly Ambassadors Program

    Grizzly Ambassadors Program

    We are excited to share with you the opportunity to apply for our sixth cohort of the Grizzly Ambassadors Program. GAP is a joint project of Faculty Senate and Staff Senate and is a great way to build relationships with your fellow colleagues. The application deadline is Friday, August 7.

    For more information and to access the application, please visit the GAP website.

  • Parking Stickers Available to Employees

    Parking Stickers Available to Employees

    Parking stickers for the 2026-2027 academic year are now available. The first sticker is $30 for full-time employees and $15 for part-time employees; additional stickers are $5 each.

    Please bring vehicle information such as license plate number and state in which it is issued, vehicle year, vehicle make (ex. Toyota), vehicle model (ex. Highlander), vehicle style (ex. SUV) and vehicle color to the business office in Hass Darr 110 to fill out a card and purchase your sticker(s).

    If you have questions, please contact the business office at 417-255-7260 or email WPBusinessOffice@MissouriState.edu.

  • Grizzly Summit

    Grizzly Summit Agenda

    The Inaugural Grizzly Summit is here!

    Join us for a whole day of breakout sessions, keynote speakers, games, trivia, giveaways and more!

    All faculty and staff are invited to attend the first ever Grizzly Summit on Aug. 10, at the West Plains Civic Center. Doors open at 10 a.m. with the event beginning at 10:30.

    Image of the MSU-WP Grizzly Summit Flyer containing the following information:Guest speaker will be Emily Gibson from the City of West Plains. The Grizzly Summit will include a free lunch for all faculty and staff who attend, and there will be keynote speakers, professional development breakout sessions, giveaways and more! The date of the event is August 10, 2026, and the doors will open at ten o'clock a.m. Location of the grizzly summit is at the west plains civic center. Welcome back, grizzlies! Reconnect with colleagues, celebrate the start of a new year, and build momentum for the semester ahead.
    The inaugural Grizzly Summit is planned for Monday, August 10, at the West Plains Civic Center. Doors open at 10 a.m.
    Campus offices will close from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    This event is open to both full- and part-time faculty and staff and serves as both a professional development opportunity and a kickoff for the new year. Lunch will be provided for attendees, and all are invited to join an After Party gathering at KC’s Bistro.

    Contact WP Office of the Chancellor for more information.

     

     

  • Welcome Week volunteers needed!

    Lauren Willis greets students on their first day of class during Welcome Week 2024.

    Your positive attitude can make a difference in a Grizzly’s life

    Welcome Week is right around the corner, and we are looking for volunteers.

    On Monday, August 17 from 10 am – noon, we are asking staff and faculty to volunteer 30 minutes to hand out popsicles to students as they come and go from class. This small gesture will be a great way for our students to be welcomed to campus and have a small treat during the heat of August.

    Additionally, we are looking for a few volunteers to help hand out t-shirts and run our registration tables on Monday and Tuesday. Thank you for considering these volunteer opportunities.

    To sign up for a time, please see the Welcome Week Volunteers SignUpGenius.

    Thank you all!
    Respectfully,
    Douglas Cooley II
    Assistant Director
    Student Life and Development