Dear Friends,
As cliché as it is becoming to say, these are unprecedented times, and the fall semester at Missouri Western was no exception. As always, our priority was providing our students with a high-quality education in a safe environment, and thanks to the diligence of everyone in the campus community, we were able to finish out the semester strong and in person.
When we began the semester back in August, some wondered how long we would be able to continue to provide our community with in-person classes and services. Many universities across the country were wondering the same thing – many were not as fortunate and were forced to go all online early on in the semester. But as is typical of the Griffon family, we rose to the challenge for the good of the whole community. By abiding by COVID-19 guidelines, we protected not only ourselves, but our families, fellow Griffons and their families in the St. Joseph community and beyond. Thankfully, this diligence helped keep COVID-19 numbers on campus relatively low.
I am incredibly grateful for everyone in the campus community who has worked tirelessly to provide our students with a high-quality education throughout this new normal. Whether it was moving individual classes fully or partially online, dividing labs in half due to social-distancing measures, or just relocating classes to a space that was less than ideal, our faculty have stepped up to continue providing our students with the education that they need and deserve. I am also grateful for our faculty and staff who have stepped up to keep our campus clean, safe and abiding by local, state and CDC guidelines. Our employees have gone above and beyond to ensure that our campus remains a safe place for everyone each day.
Our intention is to continue into the spring semester with the same protocols and guidelines which have worked so well for us this fall while incorporating the most recent recommendations and guidelines from health authorities. We will also be prepared to make any mid-semester shifts that are deemed necessary and continue to do what is best for the health, safety and wellbeing of our campus community. I am thankful that we were able to finish the fall semester strong and in person, and optimistic that we will be able to hold the spring semester in a similar manner.
While I look forward to the day when we can consider ourselves in a post-COVID world, as I’m sure many of us do, I am confident that with the help and support of our Griffon family, we can continue to provide our students with the best education possible until then. Thank you for all you are doing to stay connected with and support the university during this trying time. One day, we will all look back and tell the story of the Griffon family coming together to ensure Missouri Western’s survival during these unprecedented times.
Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy Interim President
Missouri Western State University