June 3, 2026

A message from the Board of Governors

Dear Griffons,

I am pleased to report that the national search for the next President of Missouri Western State University is underway. We have posted the position and are now accepting applications.

As you will see from the position description, we are seeking a mission-driven servant leader with a deep commitment to public higher education, a person who understands the current higher education environment and can help MoWest be successful in that environment.

In addition, we have appointed a search committee composed of representatives from the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, students and the community. Members will be tasked with reviewing all applications and conducting preliminary interviews with semifinalists:

  • Chair: Bill Grimwood, MWSU Board of Governors; Chief Information Officer, Hillyard Companies
  • Todd Michalski ’92, MWSU Board of Governors; Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Gray Manufacturing
  • Lisa Norton, MWSU Board of Governors; CEO, BioZyme Incorporated
  • Natalie Hawn ’00, President & CEO, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
  • Dr. Kelly Henry, Professor and Department Chair, Psychology
  • Kathy Kelly, Past President of Staff Association; Administrative Coordinator, College of Business and Professional Studies
  • Jana Laipple, Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration
  • Unyque Mallett, Student Government Association Vice President
  • Monty Smith, President of Faculty Senate; Professor of Criminal Justice; Graduate Program Director
  • Mike Poore, CEO of Mosaic Life Care
  • Zack Workman ’74, retired business owner, President, MoWest Gold Coat Club

Please join me in thanking the committee for their willingness to serve in this important role.

Faculty and staff will have an opportunity to tell the Board and the Search Committee what they’re looking for in the next president during a listening session in the near future. Watch your email for details.

All information pertaining to the search has been posted on our Presidential Search website.

Out of respect for our candidates, confidentiality will be a vital part of the search process. If you have comments or questions, please contact me as search committee chair at wgrimwood@missouriwestern.edu, or use the contact form on the search website.

As always, thank you for all that you do to serve our students, our community and each other.

Sincerely,

Bill Grimwood, Chair
Board of Governors
Missouri Western State University