I’m hopeful you’re reading this from your office as snow was forecasted for yesterday, today and tomorrow when I was working on this message last week. As with all weather in the Ozarks, I’m learning anything can happen, especially when ice is in the forecasted mix.

We have three finalists for the provost position visiting campus Feb. 10-12. I hope you were able to attend the open forums for Dr. Mark Smith and Dr. Shawn Wahl last Friday and yesterday, respectively.

Today, we have Dr. Clarenda Phillips’ open forum and tomorrow is Dr. James Satterfield’s one. Both will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the PSU Theater. Dr. Mitchell McKinney’s open forum is next Tuesday (Feb. 18), same time and location.

While the survey to offer feedback for Dr. Smith has closed, there’s still time to complete the survey for Dr. Wahl. If you weren’t or aren’t able to attend the forums, they’re recorded and available for viewing on the provost search website a few hours following the completion of each session.

A new and exciting retention tool

As you know, retention of our students is crucial not only for student success; it also helps us meet our budget needs. I’m very excited to let you know that tomorrow, we’ll launch a new retention tool for our undergraduate students – Text Boomer. This new tool is being introduced by the office of student success headed up by Dr. Kelly Wood.

Text Boomer is an on-demand, AI-powered texting service that will greet students each semester when they arrive on campus. Students can text Boomer with common questions and/or when they need some help figuring out deadlines or connecting with campus resources.

Text Boomer will also check in on students every seven to 10 days to understand any issues they’re facing. Think of it as an empathetic “Siri” that may make the difference between a student continuing at Missouri State or dropping out when dealing with a rough patch.

There will be a lot of people supporting the outcomes of these Text Boomer interactions. Students will receive personal contact for some situations and links to important information they’re seeking on our website in other situations.

This could be a game changer. Letters have gone out to academic affairs staff and faculty introducing Text Boomer. If you have questions about Text Boomer, send them to Success@MissouriState.edu. Also, if a student mentions Text Boomer to you, wondering if it’s spam – please let them know it’s a support service for them.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff