Staff Senate Agenda – Mar 12, 2026

Staff Senate Mission Statement:

The Staff Senate serves as a liaison to administration as an advocate for staff welfare and productivity, in conjunction with the University’s mission to support, improve, innovate, and promote academic excellence.

University Mission Statement:

Missouri State University-West Plains empowers students to achieve personal success and to enrich their local and global communities. As a two-year public institution, we provide accessible, affordable, and quality educational opportunities.

Call to Order

Approval of Agenda

Approval of February Meeting Minutes

Chancellor’s Report (Zora Mulligan)

President’s Report (Trevor Cressman)

Strategic Plan Update

Honorary Degree Recipients:
- The chancellor’s office and the Office of Academic Affairs are seeking nominations for an honorary associate’s degree. The nomination form is attached.
- The degree will be awarded at the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9.
- It is designed to recognize and honor exceptional men and women who have given a substantial part of their lives to serving others and/or who have distinguished themselves.
- University officials explained that conferring the degree also establishes a public association between Missouri State University-West Plains and such exceptional men and women, thereby providing testimony to the values and quality of two-year institutions.
- Previous recipients include:
  - Kennoth G. Gammill, Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree, 2011;
  - Paul Childers, Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree, 2012;
  - Edith Williams, Honorary Associate of Arts Degree, 2013;
  - Peggy Kissinger, Honorary Associate of Arts Degree, 2014;
  - Linda Moore, Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree, 2015;
  - Laurel Thompson, Honorary Associate of Science Degree, 2016;
  - Terry “Bo” Pace, Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree, 2017;
  - Jack McNevin, Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree, 2018;
  - Clarence “Porky” Barber, Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree, 2019;
  - Mark Collins, Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree, 2020;
  - Mike Ennis, Honorary Associate of Applied Science, 2022;
  - Robert Louis “Lou” Wehmer, 2023;
  - Margaret Keister, Honorary Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies, 2024;
  - Crockett W. Oaks, Jr., Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies, 2025
- Prior nominees that did not win are:
  - Dennis Crider, nominated in 2023-2024
  - Jim McFarland, nominated in 2020-2021
- The university’s Administrative Council, Faculty Senate, and Staff Senate are invited to nominate recipients for the honorary degree. We will also request submissions from the community.
- The degree granted may be the Honorary Associate of Arts Degree, the Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree, or the Honorary Associate of Science Degree.
- Recipients may be alumni, former university employees, former Board of Governors members, or public officials. Still, at the time of the award, they may not be current employees, incumbent members of the Board of Governors, or incumbent federal, state, or local government officials.
- Other criteria to be considered include a nominee’s:
  - Eminent contribution to the college, the system, the community, the state, or society;
  - Eminent achievement in a particular field or endeavor;
  - Personal status that will enhance the reputation of the college or system and serve as an example to its students and alumni;
  - Potential for contribution to the goals or welfare of the college.

President-Elect Report (Lauren Willis)

Secretary Report (Kileene Collins)

Treasurer Report (Alex Graham)

Assessment Questions/Follow-Up

Committee Reports

Granvil Vaughan Founder’s Award Comittee: – Emilie Brotherton
- Missouri State University-West Plains started the Granvil Vaughan Founder’s Award over 20 years ago. Named after Granvil Vaughan, “for his commitment toward bringing to fruition the long-held dream of higher education in south-central Missouri,” this prestigious award recognizes community members who have:
  - made a significant impact on the mission of the West Plains campus,
  - remained involved in advisory groups and attended events and activities (not while a university employee) sponsored by the university for ten years or more.
- The award winner is announced each spring at the annual commencement ceremony.
- Prior award recipients are Jess Garnett, Allison Smith, Robert Neathery, Vivian Drago, Jim McFarland, Frank Martin, Paul Childers, William, and Virginia Darr, Dr. Marvin Fowler, Judge Harold and Mrs. Martha Henry, Joe Paul Evans, Jeanette Grisham, Mary Hass Sheid, Jerry and Sue Hall, S. David Gohn, Roger “Dusty” Shaw, Joe Spears, Jay Padgett, Newt and Carolyn Brill, Danny and Florence James, Chuck and Sue Kimberlin, Bo and Sunie Pace, Laurel Thompson, William “Bill” Shaw, and John and Dixie Williams.

Activities Committee:
- Grizzly Pre-Game Party Recap

Department Reports

Melissa Jett – Admissions

Campus Tree Discussion

Alyssa Collins (HR)

Spring Walking Challenge – Are you looking for a way to start moving more? Do you need a little friendly competition to get you motivated? Get ready for the spring Walking Challenge from March 24 through April 20. Participate for a chance to win a $25 Drago College Store gift card! The Challenge is for all MSU employees, dependents, and Graduate Assistants 18 years of age or older. Refer to the Walking Challenge webpage for more information and registration instructions.
Don’t forget to fill out the Survey About Your Surveys from Alex Graham.
CJ Collins (IT)
- On behalf of Information Technology Support, we are pleased to announce that we are moving to using the Team Dynamics workorder and project management system that Springfield currently uses.
- This system will improve how we receive, track, and complete support requests. By submitting requests through the ticketing system, our team will be able to prioritize work more effectively, ensure that nothing is overlooked, and provide clearer communication and follow-up throughout the process.
- You may submit a ticket using either of the links below:
MIS Work Orders: West Plains MIS Support – This form will allow you to submit tickets for Argos Reports, Automating Work, Banner, MyGrizzlyDen, BDM tickets, and software requests.
User Support Work Orders: West Plains User Support – This form will allow you to submit tickets for your office desktop computer, printers, scanners, servers, and other similar items.
AVT/Networking/Telecom: West Plains AVT/Network/Telecom – This form will allow you to submit tickets for Classroom AV, Campus Networking, Phone or other similar needs.
- We will also be placing buttons in MyGrizzlyDen along with on the Banner Launchpad. We encourage all users to begin submitting requests through the ticketing system immediately to help us serve you more efficiently.
- NOTE: If you are unsure which of these systems to use, please do not let that keep you from submitting, we can easily transfer tickets from one person or group to another.
- If you have any questions about the new system or need assistance submitting a request, please do not hesitate to reach out.
SEM Reminder: The Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) team would like to encourage every member of our campus community to show how welcoming our campus is and how supportive we strive to be. If you happen to be out and see one of our Student Ambassadors wearing their signature blue polo leading a tour, take a moment to acknowledge the group, and thank them for being here.
- If you have time, you might ask their academic plans and how they would find excellent preparation here. I am not suggesting a long sit-down conversation but a simple recognition and welcome go a long way for families to know we care about the work we do here with our students.
- Private/family tours are typically offered Monday through Friday at 11 am or at 2 pm. School groups may require alternative hours, but most tours will be starting at 11 am or 2 pm.

Draw for Giveaway

Adjournment