MoWest leaders weigh enrollment, collaboration as next university president takes shape

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- After Missouri Western State University leaders announced their two finalists to be the next university president, the school is getting ready to decide who will lead its next chapter.

Lenny Klaver, president of North Central Missouri College, said enrollment is the lifeblood of a university and the effects of the demographic cliff are becoming harder to ignore.  

He believes in an escalator theory to get multiple people moving up to get an education at the university.  

“It's not one quick solution. It has multiple aspects, and it will take a collaborative effort by many people,” Klaver said.  

He said reversing enrollment declines nationwide will require an organized plan and a clear approach that everyone can work together to follow.