Patt Lilly named MoWest interim president following Elizabeth Kennedy’s retirement announcement

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri Western State University's Board of Governors named Patt Lilly as the University's interim president, following Elizabeth Kennedy's retirement announcement.

Lilly's role as interim president will be effective May 11.

"Having served 12 years on the Board of Governors, including a term as Chair, Lilly is a dedicated, long-standing supporter of the University," said Bill Grimwood, chair of the Board of Governors in a statement to campus. "Lilly brings decades of executive leadership experience across various sectors including public service, private industry and community development. This depth of experience, combined with a strong understanding of our region and community, uniquely positions Lilly to lead the University during this transition. The Board has full confidence in his ability to guide Missouri Western with clarity, stability and purpose.”

Lilly previously led the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO for more than 18 years and served as the Chief Administrative Officer fore Triumph Foods for almost seven years. He's also most recently served as Principal Consultant at Lilly & Associates.

He has held multiple roles in local government, serving as City Manager for the City of St. Joseph, as well as management position s in Texas cities.

He began his career in commercial banking and holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Houston.

“I am honored to support the University at this critical time,” Lilly said. “I am committed to maximizing the strength of our faculty and staff to ensure operational continuity. I look forward to working closely with the Board to facilitate a successful transition and the selection of the next president.”

Grimwood said MoWest will continue to move forward with confidence.

“Our priorities, supporting student success, advancing applied learning and strengthening our role in the region, remain unchanged,” he said. “Day-to-day operations will continue as normal, and our work moving the university forward will not pause.”

MoWest announced the retirement of its sixth president, Elizabeth Kennedy, Friday. Kennedy stepped into her role as interim in August 2020 and was officially named president in February 2021.