MoWest Board of Governors begins search for next president

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri Western State University Board of Governors is accepting applications and has appointed a search committee to help find its seventh president.

"We are looking for a mission-driven servant leader with a deep commitment to public higher education," said Bill Grimwood, chair of the Board of Governors and the search committee. "He or she will understand the current higher education landscape, and put MoWest in a position to succeed in that landscape. MoWest is poised to do great things, and I'm confident that we will attract a lot of worthy candidates."

The announcement comes after the announcement that Patt Lilly would serve as interim president following Elizabeth Kennedy's retirement.

The president serves as Mowest's chief executive and administrative officer, shaping the University's vision, setting its strategic direction and advancing the institution's mission and long-term success.

MoWest's Board of Governors said its search committee is composed of board members, faculty, staff, students and community members:

• Chair: Bill Grimwood, MoWest Board of Governors and Chef Information Officer, Hillyard Companies
• Todd Michalski ’92, MoWest Board of Governors and Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Gray Manufacturing
• Lisa Norton, MoWest Board of Governors and CEO, BioZyme Incorporated
• Natalie Hawn ’00, President & CEO, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Kelly Henry, Professor and Department Chair, Psychology
• Kathy Kelly, Past President of Staff Association and Administrative Coordinator, College of Business and Professional Studies
• Jana Laipple, Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration
• Unyque Mallett, Student Government Association Vice President
• Monty Smith, President of Faculty Senate and Professor of Criminal Justice; Graduate Program Director
• Mike Poore, CEO of Mosaic Life Care
• Zack Workman ’74, retired business owner and President, MoWest Gold Coat Club

MoWest said more information can be found on its President Search website.