I normally focus on events and topics that pertain to the Springfield campus, but there’s a lot going on in West Plains these days so I thought I’d give you some updates.

Higher Learning Commission makes its 10-year visit

A Higher Learning Commission (HLC) review team visited the West Plains campus Nov. 6-7 for the campus’ 10-year reaffirmation for continuing accreditation. In the exit interview with members of the West Plains campus administrative council, the HLC team acknowledged progress had been made since the last visit in areas that had been identified.

The team highlighted some areas that needed work, but these were areas the campus had self-identified as needing improvement and had already begun working on addressing those issues.

The HLC team also praised the campus for two campus programs, stating the T.J. Swift House ASCEND program for autistic students and the Ozark Symposium/Ozark Heritage Research Center were both notably unique programs.

Congratulations to Chancellor Dennis Lancaster, his leadership team and faculty and staff for such a strong report. It takes hard work and commitment to maintain an HLC accreditation.

Groundbreaking for the Center for Autism and Neurodiversity

On Nov. 7 in West Plains, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson joined me, MSU Board of Governors members, Chancellor Lancaster and other members of the West Plains campus community, along with about 100 area residents, state legislators and other government officials, in breaking ground for the campus’ new Center for Autism and Neurodiversity.

The $10.5 million facility will house the T.J. Swift House ASCEND Program, which includes a high school-to-college transition program for students with autism and two associate degrees for those wanting to pursue careers working with autistic individuals.

The ceremony included the official naming of the program for Tracey Hollis-Cooper and her family, founders of T.J. Swift House, a West Plains-based agency that provides support to individuals with disabilities. The facility is expected to be completed by January 2025.

President’s Holiday Open House

Don’t forget my Holiday Open House is coming up on Monday. We’ve moved it back to later in the day this year. Please join me and Gail as we celebrate the holiday season. As always, Chartwells will provide a lot of great food and desserts.

3-5 p.m. Dec. 11, 2023
Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif