MoWest President explains reasoning behind enrollment growth  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Missouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy said the university is starting to see enrollment growth this spring. 

Kennedy said this is the first time the university has seen noticeable progress in about six years.  

“That’s because we were hit with a pandemic like any other institution was. We went through a period of program review and elimination, and as a University we have undergone many transformative processes,” Kennedy said.  

Kennedy said those challenges couldn’t be fixed overnight, so the university began focusing on new programs that align with workforce needs.  

She explained how MoWest continues to refine its strategies and processes each day to make operations more efficient and help the university adapt to the needs of the 21st century.  

"Missouri Western is a wonderful choice because we are a very affordable institution. High quality education, vibrant campus life and it's wonderful to see how students are seeing what makes us a solid investment for their future,” Kennedy added.  

The university’s total student headcount increased by 1.52%, bringing enrollment to 3,132 students. Kennedy said that growth reflects steady progress across different student groups and regions.  

She added how educational attainment is closely tied to an individual’s prosperity and financial stability. 

However, Kennedy said the benefits extend beyond individuals.  

“We know that for St. Joseph, to have a thriving university, it is critical to the economic development and prosperity of our community,” Kennedy said.  

Kennedy said much of the recent growth comes from adjustments the university has made to its strategies. 

MoWest has implemented new approaches, brought in key personnel and expanded its efforts in admissions. It has also added more undergraduate programs.  

Kennedy emphasized how one of the university’s top priorities is making college more affordable for families.  

“Once we get students more on campus and they see how beautiful it is, how wonderful it is, they feel the warmth of what being a Griffon would be like, students really see the value of Missouri Western,” Kennedy added.  

Kennedy said the university is on a positive trajectory, but one of the next major goals is maintaining strong state funding.  

“We need people to write letters to the representatives and the senator, to contact the governor’s office, or to speak out about what Missouri Western State University needs from the state funding,” Kennedy said.  

She also said student success at MoWest is largely due to the support provided by faculty, administrators and staff.  

The university works to ensure students have the help they need — whether it’s in the classroom or dealing with personal challenges — so they can succeed both in college and in life.