MoWest centers combining for free home-buying seminar

David McMahan, chair and professor in the communication department at Missouri Western State University, received a leadership listening award from Global Listening center. — File | KQ2

By Darren Doyle

Published February 11, 2026 7:09 pm

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- MoWest is continuing to prepare its students for the future with its upcoming talk in the seminar series ‘First-time Home Buyers,’ which is geared toward current students and alumni of the university.

In an uncertain economy, preparation and advice are always essential for those preparing for the real world. In this free seminar, attendees will go over topics such as ‘how to maintain and improve credit for a first-time home buyer’, the do’s and don’ts of the homebuying process, what can I afford, and much more.

MoWest Alumni Association and its Career Development Center are co-hosting the event, which will bring together Griffon alumni with experience in real estate.

For alumni not only to return to campus but also to help continue teaching those in or who have graduated from MoWest means everything to Director of Alumni Relations Jennifer Morris.

“It's really encouraging whenever you have someone who says, ' Hey, I have this level of expertise, I have this opportunity. I want to give back,” Morris said. “We all can give back in different ways. You know, our time, talent, and treasure. So it's such a good feel-good for us as well as I think the alumni coming back to speak.”

This isn’t the first time the two centers have hosted a workshop like this, and they say that if this one goes well, they intend to continue doing more for alumni and students on various topics.

Curiosity had before graduation, or keeping the same curiosity that led graduated MoWest students to the classroom, is what MoWest Kristen Neeley, who oversees the Career Development Center on campus, suggests for all who are curious about attending the seminar.

“Come on in, listen to what our experts have to tell you in order to see if you're thinking of buying a house or thinking of possibly Realty or finance as a job or career opportunity, come by, ask those questions,” Neeley shared. “(Or) don't ask the questions. Completely fine, just to be in the audience and absorb the material.”

This free seminar will take place on Thursday, Feb. 19, from noon to 1:00 pm in Blum Union 218 on campus. Those with questions can email Kristen Neeley at the MoWest Career Development Center (kneeley@missouriwestern.edu) or call 816-271-4206.