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Clif’s Notes for Jan. 25, 2022

January 25, 2022 by Clif Smart

Collage of 6 recipients.

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!

Filed Under: Clif's Notes, Smart Tagged With: Coronavirus, staff awards, Wall of Fame

Clif’s Notes for Oct. 5, 2021

October 5, 2021 by Clif Smart

Student pipettes chemical in lab as male student looks on.

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!

Filed Under: Clif's Notes, Smart Tagged With: long-range plan, staff awards

Clif’s Notes for May 18, 2021

May 18, 2021 by Clif Smart

Students sit with feet in fountain

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!

Filed Under: Clif's Notes, Smart Tagged With: public affairs, staff awards, Wall of Fame

Clif’s Notes for Jan. 26, 2021

January 26, 2021 by Clif Smart

Masked clinician fills needle with vaccine.

As you know, we received over 1,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine last week.

I am pleased to report that we successfully distributed all of the vaccine we received through the good work of our staff at Magers Health and Wellness Center.

We gave faculty and staff priority to sign up for vaccinations early in the week. We then allowed retirees, spouses and dependents to sign up later in the week.

At this time, we do not anticipate receiving additional COVID-19 vaccine this week.

Please continue to monitor the university’s COVID-19 Vaccinations webpage for updates as we receive additional vaccine and as the state authorizes additional groups of people to be vaccinated.

Vaccination criteria

There are many rules around who can be vaccinated. These rules are set by the state, not the university.

Right now, the state has only authorized vaccination for people meeting the requirements of Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tiers 1 and 2.

By our estimates, only about one third of our workforce qualifies for vaccination under these standards — primarily including individuals over the age of 65 or with particular co-morbidities.

We are working and will continue to work to obtain more vaccine. Based on the guidance we have received from people involved in the vaccine distribution process, we believe it is imperative that we immediately use the vaccine we receive to stay in the supply chain for additional vaccine in future weeks and months.

Our hope is that by continuing to distribute vaccine, we will continue to receive vaccine as the state authorizes other segments of our workforce to be vaccinated.

Recognizing excellence among staff

Due to the pandemic, we were not able to have our annual staff awards luncheon this month. We are working on a replacement event to occur after the end of the spring semester.

In the meantime, I want to recognize our staff who received awards.

This year’s Staff Excellence in Community Service Award recipients are Mandi Muse and Jason Ray.

This year’s Staff Excellence in University Service Award recipients are Steve Braden, A’dja Jones, Lyn McKenzie, Karen McKinnis, Benjamin Metzger and Dr. Dave Muegge.

Thanks to all of you for your great work during this challenging year.

Submit Wall of Fame nominations

Each year we recognize retired employees who, during their time at the university, significantly contributed to the success and positive experience of students. We honor these employees by placing their names on the Wall of Fame located outside the Plaster Student Union Ballroom.

Last year the Board of Governors inducted six individuals into the Wall of Fame: Dr. Michael Carlie, Karen Horny, Paul Kincaid, Marcia Morriset, Judith Smith and Dr. Howard Orms.

Unfortunately we were not able to have our traditional induction ceremony during Homecoming last fall.

At Homecoming this fall we will have a ceremony to induct both the 2020 and the 2021 classes into the Wall of Fame.

You can nominate inductees for the 2021 class online. Please review the selection criteria when making your nomination. The deadline for nominations is March 12.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

 

Filed Under: Clif's Notes, Smart Tagged With: Coronavirus, staff awards, Wall of Fame

Clif’s Notes for Oct. 6, 2020

October 6, 2020 by Clif Smart

Entrance to Meyer Library against blue sky

The end of this week marks the mid-point of the fall semester. As you know, we will close campus this Thursday and Friday for deep cleaning. I hope you will take a well-deserved break and recharge for the second half of the semester.

This semester has been different from any other academic term we have experienced. The challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic have been significant. However, we have demonstrated that even the biggest obstacles can be overcome.

Through our collaboration and hard work, together we have achieved success. This success is due to the positive attitudes, flexibility and resiliency of our faculty, students and staff. Thanks for your good work.

As I mentioned last week, our enrollment increased this fall because of your efforts. In light of our enrollment success, last week I worked with our leadership team to roll back a portion of the hiring freeze that we instituted earlier this calendar year. We also eliminated the freeze on maintenance and repair projects.

We still have a lot of work to do. In the current environment, many analysts have warned that enrollment success in the fall does not necessarily translate to enrollment success in the spring. Please continue your efforts to support our students and help them overcome the barriers they face.

Give generously

The Missouri State Way and United Way campaigns have kicked off. Missouri State University faculty and staff make a difference on our campus and in our community by participating in these campaigns.

Your contribution to the Missouri State Way campaign helps change lives of our students and helps them manage their education and their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing internet devices from the Emergency Student Fund, donations to the Bear Pantry, personal protective equipment or scholarships, the MSU Foundation uses funds raised through the Missouri State Way campaign to ensure that MSU students can attend class and continue their studies regardless of their financial background or difficult circumstances.

The United Way campaign addresses the urgent needs of some of our most vulnerable community members in Springfield and the Ozarks. The United Way of the Ozarks connects communities, people and hope. It has convened community leaders for a coordinated response to the pandemic, provided critical supplies, and raised and distributed more than $164,000 in funds to help our community respond to COVID-19.

Learn more about how the United Way of the Ozarks has helped our community through the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

To continue to support our local community, the United Way needs our support.

You will receive a Missouri State Way and United Way campaign packet in campus mail this week. You can also find information on the campaign webpage. Please join me in contributing to each of these important organizations.

After you complete your forms, please plan to attend the free virtual celebration event at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 13. Details can be found on the campaign webpage. We will draw for prizes at the event, and everyone that attends will receive a bookstore coupon.

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. 13. 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!

Filed Under: Clif's Notes, Smart Tagged With: Coronavirus, staff awards, united way

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