Education | West Plains Daily Quill

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.

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

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

Officials of the Ozarks Heritage Research Center (OHRC) at Missouri State University-West Plains welcomed nearly 60 visitors to the center’s open house celebration April 2 in the Garnett Library. Those who attended were excited to view the center’s archives and learn more about its mission, said officials. “The grand opening went extremely well,” said Rebekah McKinney, director of library services at the Garnett Library and a member of the OHRC advisory board. “People were looking at the items in our collection, and they were excited that we had past issues of the West Plains Daily Quill for viewing. Former Quill correspondent Denise Henderson Vaughn was delighted to hear that we had the Quill negatives from 1959-2003.” The center, which houses an archive of materials related to the south-central and southeast Missouri Ozarks, is open any time the Garnett Library is open for researchers, regional history enthusiasts, students and other community members to view. From left are OHRC board members Anthony Priest and Dr. Jason McCollom; artist Farley Lewis of Springfield, whose mural of a wagon crossing an Ozarks creek hangs in the center; OHRC board members Chuck Kimberlin and Kathleen Morrissey; MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster; McKinney; and OHRC board member Neva Parrott.

Ozarks Heritage Research Center celebrates open house

4/26/24

MSU Outreach to offer 2 new education degrees at MSU-WP

Area educators interested in learning how to hone their teaching skills or prepare for leadership roles among their peers are encouraged to enroll in two new degrees being offered locally by Missouri State University’s Outreach office on the Missouri State University-West Plains campus. more

4/26/24

R-7 now enrolling for summer school classes

As the 2023-2024 academic year draws to a close, note West Plains R-7 School District officials, it's time for parents to “start planning your summer adventures,” and among them is the option for students to participate in summer school programs at West Plains Elementary, Middle and High schools. more

4/16/24

“Throughout the West Plains R-VII School District, educators tirelessly nurture and inspire students of every age,” shared district Communications Director Lana Snodgras in a recent announcement naming the 2024 finalists for Educator of the Year. “From parents to students, colleagues to community members, we've reached out to gather stories of the teachers who have truly made a positive impact. After careful consideration, we've distilled these nominations into our top six finalists.” Early this month, each finalist was surprised by district officials as they presented the educators with the title of Building Level Educator of the Year, Snodgras explained, adding, “Yet, the top recognition awaits as we prepare to select the District Level Educator of the Year from this exceptional group.” All six will be celebrated during a district faculty and staff awards banquet to be held May 16. Those named are West Plains Elementary RTI teacher Adriane Wooderson, Zizzer Pride Academy teacher Tonya Davis, Southern Missouri Technical Institute auto technology teacher Wayne Hansen, West Plains Middle School sixth grade teacher Korrie Vance, South Fork Elementary second grade teacher Nichole Riggs and West Plains High School person finance teacher Sandra Roberts.

R-7 names Building Level Educators of the Year

4/16/24

MSU-WP Alumni, Friends Picnic is May 2; all invited

Officials with the Missouri State University-West Plains office of advancement and the MSU Foundation invite alumni, friends and community members to the annual Alumni & Friends Picnic May 2 in the exhibit hall at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

4/16/24

WP Education Foundation launches fundraiser giveaway with business support

A fundraiser supporting classroom innovation grants from the West Plains Education Foundation has been launched, offering an opportunity to enter for a chance to win $5,000 in cash. more

4/16/24

Snodgras honored with state PR award

Lana Snodgras, director of communications for West Plains R-7 School District, has been recognized with a state public relations award by the Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA). more

4/12/24