Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for Oct. 25, 2022

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Zora Mulligan and John Jasinski will present an update on the university’s two-year transformation plan to the Board of Governors this week.

In 2022-2023, the plan will focus on preparing the university to meet two critical challenges:

  1. The need for academic agility to ensure long-term institutional success.
  2. The need to return to a trend of positive enrollment growth.

The university has created two steering teams to guide and consult on this work — the Academic Disruptors Steering Team (ADST) and the Enrollment Steering Team (EST).

What is the Academic Affairs Continuous Agility Process (CAP)

I tasked Zora, John and the ADST with creating a process to modernize academic affairs.

To meet this challenge, they have created an Academic Affairs Continuous Agility Process (CAP).

The CAP is a systematic and ongoing process to keep academic affairs fresh, relevant and market-savvy. The process is designed to be continuous and agile as work streams can be inserted into the system as needed and cyclically.

Graphic expalining the Academic Affairs CAP.

The ADST will oversee the CAP this year with input from the deans’ team and other stakeholders.

In the short term they will:

  • Provide oversight in adjusting and aligning academic administration.
  • Address academic program assessments.
  • Produce balanced budget recommendations that include cuts and reinvestments.
  • Realign to improve and synergize.
  • Fix some less-than-optimal processes.

You can find more information about the CAP — including guiding principles, base phases for the five CAP work streams, and 2022-2023 CAP outputs — in the handout that will accompany Zora and John’s presentation to the board.

Driving enrollment growth

Enrollment is a critical, immediate priority that must be addressed through a series of initiatives related to admissions, scholarships, employer partnerships and student success.

The culture around recruitment and retention is also a long-term issue that requires system-level transformation.

The EST is leading efforts to develop long-term system-level changes that will:

  • Develop a culture of successful execution and continuous improvement.
  • Get a structure in place to enhance MSU’s ability to meet its annual and long-term goals.
  • Make sure that decisions align with the university’s enrollment priorities.

Given the immediate importance of enrollment, the EST is also a series of strategic enrollment initiatives designed to drive growth this academic year and next fall. You can find a current list of these initiatives on the draft 2022-23 Strategic Enrollment Initiatives Placemat.

Among the most significant early actions are the decisions to:

  • Establish the MoState Access Scholarship, a Pell Grant gap-filler aimed at recruiting students from Springfield and the Ozarks region.
  • Hire new enrollment management consultants.
  • Update the university’s strategy for buying the names and contact information for prospective students.

You can find more information about the EST’s work and the university’s strategic enrollment initiatives in the handout that will accompany Zora and John’s presentation to the board.

Nominate a staff colleague by Nov. 11

Finally, I want to encourage you to recognize your colleagues who have done exceptional work.

The Staff Excellence in University Service Award recognizes excellence in service to the university among staff employees. Through this award, the university recognizes staff who strive to do their jobs well on a daily basis, who go beyond the call of duty in a special situation, and who have contributed in a significant way to the success of the university.

Each year, up to six full-time staff receive this award (which includes a one-time $1,500 award for full-time staff).

We have made a recent change to the award. This year, up to three part-time staff will also receive this award (which includes a one-time $750 award for part-time staff).

Currently enrolled students, employed staff, faculty or administrators are encouraged to nominate full-time and part-time staff employees for the Excellence in University Service Awards.

The deadline to nominate a staff member is Nov. 11. You can review the selection criteria and complete a nomination form on the Staff Excellence in University Service Award webpage.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for June 14, 2022

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This is Staff Appreciation Week.

Supervisors, I hope you will take time this week to express your gratitude for all of the work your team does.

To all of our staff, I appreciate you. You work hard, often without much thanks, to meet the needs of our students and our campus community. Thank you for everything you do.

Come to the Staff Awards Luncheon

We kicked off the week last night with MSU Staff Appreciation Night at Mother’s Brewery.

Today at 11:30 a.m. we will have our annual Staff Awards Luncheon in Hammons Student Center.

Shuttles will operate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to wear Bearwear.

Three categories of employees will be honored:

  • Full-time staff who reached a five-year milestone in 2021.
  • Those selected for the Staff Excellence in University Service Award.
  • Those selected for the Staff Excellence in Community Engagement Award.

Please plan to participate in this year’s luncheon to support your co-workers and colleagues that are being recognized and to connect with your university community over a free meal.

I would encourage all supervisors to allow full-time staff to attend this important event.

How you can participate this week

Other activities this week include:

  • On Wednesday, all members of the university community are encouraged to post their love and appreciation for staff on social media with #MSUStaffShoutout.
  • On Thursday at 4:15 p.m., staff will gather for an All-Staff Photo on the quad east of Carrington Hall.
  • On Friday, we will host mocktails and lawn games from 1 – 3 p.m.
  • On Friday. we will close the university from 3 – 5 p.m. Issues related to essential personnel, time reporting, and compensation for this closure are addressed in section 2.15 of the Employee Handbook. Supervisors will work with their staff on how to coordinate coverage if coverage is required.

Support the arts on campus

Many other events will occur on campus throughout the summer.

The tradition of Tent Theatre continues with three outstanding productions:

  • “Xanadu” (in Coger Theatre starting June 22).
  • “Moon Over Buffalo” (in Coger Theatre starting June 29).
  • “Crazy For You” (in the new John Goodman Amphitheatre starting Sept. 9).

We will also host Broadway productions of “Anastasia” and “Disney Jr. Live” in Hammons Hall.

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils will put on a special performance with the Springfield Symphony on Sept. 10 and 11 in Hammons Hall.

Buy tickets

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Jan. 25, 2022

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Unfortunately, the pandemic caused us to cancel this year’s Staff Awards Luncheon. Work is underway to schedule a different event in May to honor all of our staff and recognize service milestones.

In the interim, I want to announce the recipients of this year’s Staff Excellence in University Service Award.

Recipients announced

Jeremy Beach

Jeremy Beach works as a dispatch specialist for the office of university safety.

Jeremy’s nominators mentioned his superior customer service and proactive approach to reducing crime on campus.

While Jeremy performs a wide array of duties that contribute to the success and safety of the university, he excels in identifying suspicious activity on the university’s extensive camera system. His attention to detail while monitoring the cameras has led to the apprehension and identification of several suspects.

One nominator shared, “Jeremy has had an unparalleled impact on reducing crimes on campus. His use of the camera system to prevent crimes has a profound impact on the would-be victims, without them ever knowing it.”

Michelle S. Rose

Michelle S. Rose works as the assistant director for the office of creative services.

Michelle’s nominators highlighted her incredible work ethic, her dedication to diversity and her ability to create award-winning material used to recruit students, promote private support and raise the profile of Missouri State University.

She serves as the managing editor of Missouri State’s alumni magazine and the new Advancements magazine and is the lead writer for the university’s highest-level admissions piece, the Viewbook.

Michelle has won over 30 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awards.

Jesse Scheve

Jesse Scheve works as a staff photographer for the office of creative services.

Jesse’s nominators spoke of his dependability, professionalism and willingness to go “above and beyond” to contribute to the university’s visual identity. Jesse obtained his drone pilot license in order to capture still and video assets for university projects and publications.

He is one of the main photographers for high-profile publications, such as Mind’s Eye, the Missouri State alumni magazine and the admissions recruitment viewbook.

One nominator shared, “Jesse makes us all look good. The public, prospective students and families first see the university through the lens of Jesse’s photos. He captures the essence of the game-winning shot, the hard-fought touchdown, the happy students and is also careful to showcase the diversity of our campus population. Jesse really captures campus the way it is felt by all who work and live here.”

Daezia Smith

Daezia Smith works as a leadership programs specialist in the international programs office.

Daezia’s nominators highlighted her passion for providing a quality educational experience for MSU’s international students. She plays an essential role in the ongoing education, involvement and well-being of students far from their home countries.

Daezia co-created Global Leaders and Mentors (GLaM), an organization that creates and develops peer-to-peer relationships between domestic and international students.

One nominator shared, “Daezia is a living example of what it means to be a Citizen Bear and to live the public affairs mission. As a staff member, she represents MSU at the highest level to our international students, their families and the cooperating governments. Her passion, customer service, as well as her joy and true compassion, sets a shining example of Missouri State University and its successes to the local and international community.”

Erin Snider

Erin Snider works as a fieldwork education and admission specialist in the department of occupational therapy.

Erin’s nominators spoke about her dedication to student and faculty success, commitment to lifelong learning, and desire to use her knowledge and experience to serve others.

One nominator shared, “Erin embodies the public affairs mission in her actions, professional duties, and in relationship with faculty and students. She is a trusted resource who beautifully represents our department in outreach activities and campus-wide events. Erin is a welcoming face, a wealth of departmental information, and a progressive, dynamic thinker. This combination of growth-mindset and caring is certainly an asset to the university.”

Gary Wells

Gary Wells works as a maintenance supervisor in the department of facilities management.

Gary’s nominators spoke about his knowledge of “all things Missouri State, his servant leadership, and his dedication to helping staff and students have a positive experience at Missouri State University.”

Gary volunteers time to promote the United Way campaign, serves on the Staff Senate Executive Board and is a part of the International Friends program.

One nominator shared, “Gary Wells goes above and beyond. His title may be maintenance supervisor, but I know him as a role model, a well of knowledge, an inspiration and a friend. Not only does he work hard on campus to do his job, but he also advocates for his workers and others in his job family.

“He advocates for changes to increase morale and encourage positivity. He asks for nothing and is willing to give everything. Gary Wells is the best of MSU.”

I hope you will join me in recognizing the outstanding work of this year’s recipients.

Nominations for Wall of Fame open through March 18

These stories make one thing very clear: Missouri State University has developed a rich heritage of outstanding faculty and staff who have contributed much to the success of our university.

The Wall of Fame, located outside the Ballroom in the Plaster Student Union, is a designated location for the university to recognize and honor former employees who have excelled at Missouri State and significantly contributed to the success and positive collegiate experience of students.

Nominations are now being accepted for next year’s honorees. I encourage you to nominate former Missouri State University employees who you believe should be recognized with this honor.

Nominations will be accepted until March 18, 2022. A reception and installation of honoree recognition plaques will take place Oct. 29.

Review criteria and nominate

Attend our Jan. 28 Virtual Town Hall

I hope you will join me for a Virtual Town Hall meeting at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Dr. Frank Einhellig and I will provide an update on COVID-19 and other matters.

You will have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.

Access the Zoom link and other details

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Oct. 5, 2021

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Students increasingly go to college to get a good job or to gain a career advantage. This is true nationally.

Based on information gathered during our marketing research a few years ago, we also know it is true at Missouri State.

Preparing our students

To meet our students’ needs and goals, it is important that we match the education we provide with current career and professional development opportunities.

It is not enough that we educate our students for careers that existed 30 or 40 years ago when I (and some of you) graduated from college. It is not even enough that we solely educate our students for careers that exist today.

Many aspects of the workforce of today require professional individuals who must have a high degree of specialized education, even advanced-degree qualifications for many careers.

To thrive in the modern world, our students must be workforce ready when they graduate and equipped with the knowledge and skills they need, and the capability to continue learning in order to stay workforce ready throughout their careers.

The future of work

Several of the action items in this year’s Action Plan contemplate the “future of work” and steps MSU should take to position ourselves and our students for the ever-evolving world.

In late October we and our partners with EAB will host a Future of Work Summit on campus. The goal of this summit is to discuss the future of work and actions MSU can and should take under our long-range plan to prepare students for the modern workplace.

Following the meeting, three work groups will begin to meet to develop specific recommendations.

The topical assignments for the groups include:

  • Developing recommendations for partnerships with employers to provide educational opportunities for their employees.
  • Developing recommendations to coordinate the university’s existing processes related to internships and student work opportunities with a goal of connecting those processes with our business-facing operations in IDEA Commons to leverage new opportunities for employers and our students.
  • Analyzing subscription model options with a goal of proposing a subscription model (likely for a defined group of alumni) to pilot at MSU.

We are still working to assemble the rosters for the work groups. Once rosters are finalized, we will send each work group their respective charge and invite all work group members to the Future of Work Summit.

If you have thoughts or ideas you’d like to share with our work groups as they discuss the steps the university should take to prepare MSU and our students for the future of work, please email them to me.

Recognizing staff

Finally, I want to encourage you to recognize your colleagues who have done exceptional work.

The Staff Excellence in University Service Award recognizes excellence in service to the university among staff employees. Through this award, the university recognizes staff who strive to do their jobs well on a daily basis, who go beyond the call of duty in a special situation, and who have contributed in a significant way to the success of the university.

Each year, six full-time staff receive this award (which includes a one-time $1,500 award).

Currently enrolled students, employed staff, faculty or administrators are encouraged to nominate full-time staff employees for the Excellence in University Service Awards.

The deadline to nominate a staff member is Nov. 12. You can review the selection criteria and complete a nomination form on the Staff Excellence in University Service Award webpage.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for May 18, 2021

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This week is Staff Appreciation Week. If you haven’t already seen it on social media, please take a look at the below video message we prepared to thank our staff at MSU for their hard work.

Enjoy Staff Appreciation Week events

We will honor our staff this week at two events. Both events will take place on Friday in BearFest Village — the greenspace behind (to the west of) Carrington Hall.

First, at 11:30 a.m., we will host a Staff Appreciation Picnic.

We were not able to have our annual staff awards luncheon and ceremony in January this year.

The Staff Appreciation Picnic is designed to take the place of that ceremony, and we will honor staff at this event in a much less formal, decentralized way.

Second, after the picnic, at 1:30 p.m., we will host a Float into Summer ice cream social. As we did two years ago, we will close the university from 3 to 5 p.m. May 21 after the ice cream social.

Issues related to essential personnel, time reporting and compensation for this closure are addressed in section 2.15 of the Employee Handbook. Supervisors will work with their staff on how to coordinate coverage if coverage is required.

I hope you will plan to attend both of these events.

Recognizing great contributions

During its regular meeting last week, the board approved this year’s slate of inductees into the Wall of Fame. This year’s inductees are:

  • Anson Elliott
  • Mike Jungers
  • James Moyer
  • Thomas Plymate
  • Mark Stillwell

As in years past, we will have an induction ceremony honoring these individuals during Homecoming week. Due to the pandemic, we were not able to have this ceremony last year, so we will also recognize the 2020 inductees at this year’s ceremony.

Read the news release

The board also recognized the recipients of the Missouri State Foundation Awards in Teaching and Service.

Margaret Weaver and Kyler Sherman-Wilkins were selected for this year’s teaching award, and David Romano was selected for the service award.

The board also approved this year’s recipients of the Excellence in Public Affairs Award:

  • Tara Benson
  • David Hall
  • Judith Martinez
  • Gary Meints
  • Caryn Saxon
  • Travis Schilla

Read the news release

The board also approved commendations for Cameron Wickham (outgoing chair of Faculty Senate), Ryan Reed (outgoing chair of Staff Senate), Tara Orr (outgoing student body president) and Blake Haynes (outgoing student body vice president).

I offer sincerest of congratulations to all of these award and commendation recipients. The university and the Springfield community are better because of your leadership and service.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!