The Board of Governors at Missouri Western State University has approved operating and auxiliary budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The operating budget for 2016-2017 totals approximately $53.3 million, up slightly from the current year’s estimated budget of nearly $53 million. The auxiliary budget totals approximately $11.6 million, down from the current year’s estimated budget of almost $13 million. Both budgets include a 2 percent wage and salary increase for faculty and staff.
Both budgets are affected by an anticipated drop in enrollment this fall reducing tuition and fees. By attaining five of five performance funding measures, the University will receive a 4 percent increase in state appropriations for the 2017 fiscal year which will help to offset the drop in the operating budget. Both budgets will rely on reserve spending in the coming year.
Expansion of Athletic Programs
The Board also approved the addition of six new sports to Missouri Western’s athletics program: men’s and women’s indoor track and field, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s and women’s cross country. The sports would begin competing in 2017-2018.
The addition of the six sports involves funding 18 scholarships and hiring a head coach, assistant coach and three graduate assistants. Because NCAA Division II relies on a partial-scholarship model to administer athletics-based financial aid, the additional expenses are projected to be offset by the increase in tuition and fee revenue from up to 70 additional student-athletes.
The board also approved additional scholarships for two existing programs: women’s soccer will add 2.5 scholarships, and baseball will add 2.1, bringing both up to the NCAA Division II maximum (9.9 for women’s soccer, 9 for baseball). The additional scholarships are projected to bring in an additional 15 student-athletes.
Board Officers
Brig. Gen. Gregory Mason
The Board of Governors accepted the recommendation of the nominating committee and reelected Brig. Gen. Gregory Mason as chair and David Liechti as vice-chair of the board for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Gen. Mason has served on the board since 2012, and Liechti joined the board in 2014. Both served in the same positions this year. The Board also named its treasurer – Cale Fessler, vice president for financial planning and administration – and secretary – Connie Brock, executive associate to the president.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.