Board of Regents reviews, approves University goals

Oct. 4, 2024

Northwest Missouri State University's Board of Regents, during its regular session Thursday, reviewed and approved the institution's goals and strategic themes for FY25 with focuses on enrollment growth and sustainability, the collegiate experience and the University's people.

The strategic themes are based on three priorities President Dr. Lance Tatum outlined during his inaugural address last spring.

Within each priority, specific goals and actions are identified to achieve the University's objectives. The goals include growing the institution's undergraduate brand and enrollment and enhancing the academic experience to ensure long-term viability. For employees, the goals include implementing a total compensation system and a succession planning program.

In relation to those goals, Regents heard presentations during a morning work session that provided updates about the University's progress on its infrastructure project, enrollment and academic restructure.

Northwest began its $105 million energy infrastructure modernization project during the summer and reported to Regents on Thursday that the first of its three phases is nearing completion. Phase one included the replacement of two chillers at the University's chiller plant, electrical infrastructure upgrades, and domestic water, sanitary sewer and stormwater upgrades throughout the campus.

The project, which is scheduled for completion in 2026, is upgrading systems throughout the campus to enhance energy distribution; domestic water, sewer and stormwater systems; and heating, cooling and electrical systems.

"Everything we're doing now is for the future," Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum said as he thanked Facility Services staff for their work on the infrastructure project. "This work is to allow the University to not only manage what we have currently but places us in a position to take advantage of whatever future opportunities that may come to us."

Regarding enrollment, the University reported its total headcount this fall is 9,152 students, which again placed the institution above 9,000 students, a mark it passed for the first time last year. The total headcount is a 5.3 percent decrease from a year ago, however.

To assist with meeting its enrollment goals, Northwest is partnering with a higher education marketing agency to help the University enhance its recruitment strategies.

"I think what we have learned in the last six months is that there are opportunities for our recruitment and admissions processes to be more efficient," Tatum said.

Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman outlined plans for the restructuring of Northwest's academic units, saying it will provide efficiencies in operational activities, communication and leadership while enhancing opportunities for students and enrollment growth as well as external support through strategic partnerships across academic disciplines. Hooyman said she does not expect academic units at the school and department levels to be restructured, and she hopes the new structure will be in place for the start of the fall 2025 semester.

"We're excited about the upcoming changes in our academic structure," Dr. Robert Voss, an associate professor of history who serves as the Faculty Senate president, said during his report to the Board. "From the perspective of faculty, a more standardized structure will enhance accountability and fairness while positioning faculty to work more effectively with colleagues at other institutions. These changes will improve our capacity for collaboration and ensure that we continue to raise the bar for academic excellence across all areas of the University."

Other business

In other business, the Board approved the appointments of seven adjunct faculty to teach during the current academic year. The appointments added to faculty appointed at the Board's June and August meetings.

Kevin Cagg, Northwest's assistant vice president of information technology, presented the University's annual cybersecurity update to Regents, in alignment with the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, the University's annual external financial audit and Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which occurs each October. Cagg reported that ransomware is the No. 1 threat to Northwest technology, and phishing is the primary means attackers use to gain access to technology platforms. To help combat such threats, the University reminds students and employees to beware of suspicious emails that may be sent to collect personal information.

Regents also ratified a three-year agreement with Cengage Learning Inc. to supply digital eBooks for various courses through August 2027. Monies collected from Northwest's textbook fee are used to fund the Cengage contract.

Additionally, Hooyman recognized the recipients of Academic Impact Awards and Faculty Excellence Awards that were presented in August.

The Board of Regents is responsible for sound resource management of the University and for determining general, educational and financial policies.