Education | West Plains Daily Quill

Missouri State University-West Plains Calendar of Events

Below are several upcoming events at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), many of which are open to the community. Feel free to clip this calendar and keep it for your reference to make sure you don’t miss any events that might interest you. Also listed are several important dates on the university’s calendar that area residents might want to keep in mind. more

7/26/24

Missouri State University will soon have a new system president. Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams will take the helm on July 1, replacing Clif Smart who is retiring from the position after 13 years. Williams served as president of Utah Tech University (previously Dixie State University) from 2014 through early 2024. Previously, he served as provost and vice president for academic affairs and founding dean of the College of Nursing, Health and Human Services at Indiana State University. Prior to Indiana State, Williams served as an associate dean of the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, where he was a faculty member; executive associate director of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services; and athletic training department chair. Williams has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University, master’s in athletic training from Indiana State University and a bachelor’s in lifestyle management from Weber State University. He becomes the 12th president of MSU. University officials said they expect Williams to visit the West Plains campus this fall. Learn more about Williams at MissouriState.edu/Incoming-President.

MSU set to welcome new president

6/21/24

Crews with Robinson Construction in Perryville continue to work hard on the Autism and Neurodiversity Center at Missouri State University-West Plains. University officials said construction currently is on schedule for completion in January 2025. Construction of the steel infrastructure is nearly finished. Next, they will begin working on the exterior framing and shortly thereafter, the roof. Interior work is projected to begin by the end of June. “Needless to say, we are very pleased with how things are progressing thus far,” said Crockett Oaks III, associate vice chancellor of business and support services at MSU-WP. Once completed, the $10.5 million center will house the TJ Swift House A.S.C.E.N.D. Program, which provides specialized support services for autistic students, as well as classes for new academic degrees emphasizing autism. The 9,300-square-foot building has been specifically designed for those on the autism spectrum, including indirect lighting, sound absorbing materials and breakout rooms designed uniquely to help calm overstimulation. For more information about the TJ Swift House ASCEND Program, visit WP.MissouriState.edu/ASCEND.

Progress continues on Autism and Neurodiversity Center

6/21/24

Tresa Ryan, director of the health information technology program at Missouri State University-West Plains, recently received the 2024 Outstanding Health Information Management (H.I.M.) Educator Award from the Missouri Health Information Management Association (MoHIMA). The award honors those who demonstrate excellence in preparing the next generation of professionals for H.I.M. careers. Honorees also must have five or more years of experience in the H.I.M. education field; initiate H.I.M. events, projects and activities with their students; participate in H.I.M. education events and/or be involved in or a leader of the American Health Information Management Association education sector; and contribute to the development of curriculum, according to the MoHIMA website, MOHIMA.org. Ryan has been a MoHIMA member since 2013 and earned her Certified Coding Specialist-Physician (CCS-P) and her Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certifications through the organization. She has been a faculty member at MSU-WP since 2015.

Tresa Ryan receives outstanding educator award

6/21/24

MSU-WP introduces new healthcare supply chain management certificate option

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains announce the addition of a new healthcare supply chain management certificate option to its Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology degree program. more

6/21/24

MSU-WP Calendar of Events

Below are several upcoming events at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), many of which are open to the community. Feel free to clip this calendar and keep it for your reference to make sure you don’t miss any events that might interest you. Also listed are several important dates on the university’s calendar that area residents might want to keep in mind. more

6/21/24

New instrumental music program will begin this fall at MSU-WP

Area high school students who participated in band or orchestra have a new educational opportunity available to them at Missouri State University-West Plains. more

5/29/24

Several employees at Missouri State University-West Plains recently completed the Grizzly Ambassadors Program (G.A.P.). The central idea of G.A.P. is to provide a scheduled, focused, professional development opportunity for faculty and staff to become more informed about the workings of the West Plains campus and the MSU system as a whole. Those who completed the program received plasma cut awards created by MSU-WP’s technology programs at the Pace Industrial Science Center. From left: Mike Scheidt, Trevor Cressman, Katie Dudden, Luke Hurtt, Ron Kerns and Rebekah McKinney.

MSU-WP employees complete GAP Program

5/25/24

Two members of the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) were recognized as members of PTK’s Missouri All-Academic Team during a ceremony April 11 at Stephens College in Columbia. Hannah Smith, above, Alton, and Brittney Fears, Winona, were among 50 students selected from various community colleges in the state for the award. Both received certificates, medallions and scholarships, according to PTK officials. Since 1994, Missouri has honored outstanding PTK scholar-leaders with a state academic team program. PTK is an international academic honor society for community college students. The All-Missouri Academic Team recognizes high-achieving two-year college students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual rigor, leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. Smith was president of the MSU-WP PTK chapter this year, and Fears was vice president.

Two named to PTK’s Mo. All-Academic Team

5/25/24

MSU-WP Calendar of Events

Below are several upcoming events at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), many of which are open to the community. Feel free to clip this calendar and keep it for your reference to make sure you don’t miss any events that might interest you. Also listed are several important dates on the university’s calendar that area residents might want to keep in mind. more

5/25/24

Thora Broyles, right, preparatory math specialist at Missouri State University-West Plains, will retire from her position June 1 after 13 years and two months of service. Broyles was hired as a preparatory math specialist on April 1, 2011, and oversaw the math tutoring lab. She received a certificate noting her years of service from MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster during a retirement reception May 3 at Kellett Hall.

Thora Broyles retiring June 1

5/24/24

David White, right, associate professor of business at Missouri State University-West Plains, will retire from his position on Aug. 1 after nearly 29 years with the university. White was hired as an instructor on Aug. 14, 1995. He was promoted to assistant professor Aug. 17, 1998, granted tenure Aug. 16, 1999, and promoted to associate professor Aug. 13, 2012. During his time at MSU-WP, White has worn many hats. He was assistant dean for distance learning from Aug. 21, 1995, through Aug. 20, 2001. He was appointed division chair from 1997 to 2002 and department chair from 2002 to 2022. He also served as distance learning coordinator from spring 2008 through summer 2022. He received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2010 and the Faculty Merit Award in 2012. White was given a plaque and certificate noting his years of service to the university, as well as a watch. With White is Dr. Michael Orf, vice chancellor of academic affairs at MSU-WP.

David White to retire after 29 years

5/24/24

Marissa Ayers, right, a senior at Couch High School, was one of 30 students selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship as part of the Missouri STEM Signing Day. She will be attending Missouri State University-West Plains this fall. With her at the event is MSU-WP Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Orf.

MSU-WP student receives scholarship during Missouri STEM Signing Day

Marissa Ayers, a senior at Couch High School in Myrtle who will be attending Missouri State University-West Plains this fall, was one of 30 students selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship as part of the Missouri STEM Signing Day. more

5/13/24

The Willow Springs High School graduating Class of 2024

Willow Springs High School Class of 2024 graduates

Willow Springs High School’s Class of 2024 celebrated graduation exercises Saturday. more

5/9/24

West Plains R-7 welcomes new band director

The Zizzer Pride Band has a new leader. more

5/9/24

250 students to receive degrees, certificates at MSU-WP Commencement on Saturday

A total of 250 students will be candidates for graduation from Missouri State University-West Plains during the 2024 commencement ceremony Saturday at the West Plains Civic Center. more

5/8/24

Alton Elementary School art students had a massive display recently showcasing their talents, put together by art teacher Annie Whitten. The show has been held annually for several years, but this was the second year a theme was chosen. This year was "Under The Sea," and featured two-dimensional and three-dimensional art from preschool through fifth grade students. This large piece, made to look like a coral reef, was constructed with recycled and upcycled materials like cardboard packaging and tubes, painted dry pasta pieces and stacked paper cups, plus conventional materials like paper mache and pipe cleaners. It was the centerpiece placed near the entrance, and enhanced by special lighting to make it look as if it was underwater and glowing.

Winners of Alton Elementary School 'Under the Sea' art show announced

ALTON — Winners in Alton Elementary School’s recent "Under the Sea" themed art show are among entries from 280 students. The event showcased the work of all students in the school and was part of an elaborate and colorful display by art teacher Annie Whitten that filled the halls of the school and ended with an awards ceremony. more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 5/7/24

S.T.A.R. Orientation dates set for new students registering for summer session, fall semester classes

New students planning to enroll in 2024 summer session and/or fall semester classes at Missouri State University-West Plains can sign up now for the university’s STudent Advising and Registration (S.T.A.R.) Orientation. more

5/2/24

Members of the Friends of the Garnett Library at Missouri State University-West Plains hosted a chili supper March 15, which raised $700 to support initiatives at the Garnett Library. Dave Hale, franchisee of the Wendy’s restaurant in West Plains, donated the chili for the event. More than 65 area residents enjoyed the hearty meal and participated in several lively rounds of bingo. University officials thanked the event’s volunteers, including cochairs Kay Garrett and Carol Silvey. From left: Friends members Eleanor Kambouris, Paula Sharp, Karen Davis, Tiffany James-Young and Garrett; Hale and his daughter Sophie; and Friends members Pat Smith and Silvey.

Chili supper raises $700 for Garnett Library

4/27/24

MSU-WP Calendar of events

Below are several upcoming events at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), many of which are open to the community. Feel free to clip this calendar and keep it for your reference to make sure you don’t miss any events that might interest you. Also listed are several important dates on the university’s calendar that area residents might want to keep in mind. more

4/27/24