Date/Location:

March 12, 2026 – 10:30 a.m. in Melton 112 with Zoom option available.

In Attendance: Trevor Cressman, Kileene Collins, Sheila Sparks, Nina Williams, Emilie Brotherton, Sophia Skinner, Lora Davis, Lauren Willis, Jacy Miller, Julie Dulaney, Erica Puckett, Melissa Jeff, Becky Craig, Brian Mitchell, Brett Becker, Alyssa Collins, Joshua Gregory, Laura Underhill, Wayne Cahoj, Mandy Collins, Trace Winfrey, Cedric Wooledge, Kris Brinkerhoff, and Chad Corley. Participants via Zoom: Misty Davis, Kelley Towell, Christina Kerley, Michelle Bryan, and Barbie Mustion.

Approval of Agenda – Motion to approve by Wayne Cahoj, and seconded by Nina Williams.

Approval of February Meeting Minutes – February meeting minutes were delayed in being posted to the blog due to maintenance on the site. They were added just prior to today’s meeting so there was not time for Trevor to present them for approval.

Chancellor’s Report

• HLC Update:
  • Hearing April 21 – they were delighted on our progress with assessment. More to report after the hearing.
  • We expect to have a good idea of the HLC decision by May 5.
• Vet Tech:
  • Drago Hall renovations are progressing.
• Budget:
  • Expect to finish FY 26 flat.
  • FY27
    • Tuition & Fees will have a potential 3% increase.
    • State appropriations – discussions are ongoing.
    • Structural budget issues are being discussed and worked through.
• Enrollment for spring – headcount is up and credit hours are down.
  • Fall recruitment is on a positive momentum.
• Chad Corley asked for all to subscribe to our university YouTube page. Once we hit 500 subscribers, they can include links.

President’s Report (Trevor Cressman)

• Strategic Plan Update
  • Admin Council reviewed our Mission Vision, and Values Statements.
  • Campus Survey About Your Surveys – please complete once it is available.
  • Next campus workshop is March 20.
  • GWGs continuing to meet – power points should be prepared to present and to receive feedback during the March 20 session.
• Honorary Degree Award
  • Nominations are being sought for an honorary associate’s degree to be awarded during the commencement ceremony on May 9. Nomination ideas should be sent to Trevor.

President Elect Report (Lauren Willis) – no report

Secretary Report (Kileene Collins) – Trish Smith’s final day in her full-time role will be Friday, March 13. Kileene Collins will assume responsibility for the majority of her duties. Moving forward, the Chancellor’s Office line at extension 57900 will be answered by Kileene, who will manage communications directed to the Chancellor.

Treasurer Report (Alex Graham) –Alex was not present for the meeting but reported to Trevor that we have $1,915.94 in our account.

Department Updates, Announcements, and Committee Updates/Reports

• Committee Reports
  • Granvil Vaughan Founder’s Award Committee: (Emilie Brotherton)
    • A motion was made by Emilie Brotherton to nominate Carol Silvey. Seconded by Jon Allen – motion carried.
  • Activities Committee:
    • Grizzly Pre-Game Party Recap:
      • Tons of fun and there was a lot of attendance from the community. Thanks to all that helped make it a success. The hope is to continue this annually.
• Department Reports
  • Admissions (Melissa Jett)
    • Campus Tree Discussion – A proposal to plant a tree in honor of Bill Brown. He worked in IT until his retirement. He and his wife were long-time supporters of our campus.
      • Motion made by Erica Puckett and seconded by Julie Dulaney, motion carried.
      • Trevor will take this to Admin Council for final approval.
  • Human Resources (Alyssa Collins)
    • Spring Walking Challenge:
      • Are you looking for a way to start moving more? Do you need a little friendly competition to get motivated? Get ready for the spring Walking Challenge from March 24 through April 20. Participate in 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.
    • HR Blogs – reminder to subscribe to ensure you don’t miss out on anything important.

• • IT (CJ Collins)
    • 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.
    • Kelly Becker’s last day is Friday, March 13. There will be a send-off gathering for her in Lybyer 215 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to stop by and wish her well.
  • 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 about 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 start at 11 am or 2 pm.
  • ASCEND (Sheila Sparks and Emilee Brotherton)
    • April is Autism Acceptance Month
      • April 2 is the official Autism Acceptance Day, to be proclaimed by Mayor Topliff. All are encouraged to wear blue that day. Their hope is to have community participation to “Paint the Town Blue”, as well.
      • There will be activities around campus throughout the month of April. Any departments or offices that would like to assist, please contact the ASCEND department.
      • There are Autism Acceptance t-shirts available to pre-order through the Drago College Store. This is a fundraiser for the ASCEND program. They are $25 with $10 going to the program. The last day to order is March 20.
  • Interscholastic Competition
    • Friday, April 10. There will be nearly 400 students on our campus. Watch your email for an opportunity to volunteer to help. Statistics show from 2009-2025, 24.3% of non-high school and non-dual credit students that participated in the ISC enrolled in our university.

• Drawing for Giveaway: Winner – Julie Dulaney

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:14 a.m.