Regents approve DNR funding request, honor former Board chair

Regents approve DNR funding request, honor former Board chair

Northwest Missouri State University's Board of Regents on Friday approved a series of appointments and requests in addition to hearing annual reports related to the institution's appropriations requests and cybersecurity practices.

Most significantly, the Board approved a resolution authorizing Northwest to apply for grant funding provided by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources through its Land and Water Conservation Fund program.

If awarded to Northwest, the grant funding would help the University make improvements to its Bearcat Trail on the campus. The improvements would include replacing approximately 1,510 linear feet of existing sidewalks and widening them to 8 feet. Workout stations and benches also are proposed in the improvement project.

The grant would fund 50 percent of the estimated $485,512 project, which could begin as early as 2027.

Former Board chair John Moore honored

While the meeting was the first for Leisha Barry, who was appointed to the Board of Regents earlier in the week, Regents also issued a proclamation honoring John Moore, who resigned his seat in June after seven years of service on the Board.

Moore, a 1978 alumnus of the University, had served since 2018 and was the Board chair from 2020 to 2023. He also led Northwest's presidential search process during 2022-23 and continued to serve on the Board, despite his term expiring Jan. 1, 2023.

He is a contributor to a number of campus initiatives, including the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse, Agricultural Learning Center and the renovation and expansion of Martindale Hall.

Addressing Regents and meeting attendees inside the Lamkin Activity Center's Harr Athletic Success Center, Moore said, "I always did feel like I was trying to do what was best for the University. I care deeply about this place, the people who work at this place, the people who have attended this place and the people who are attending this place. It's a magical experience that not many people get to have."

In other business

Vice President of Finance and Administration Stacy Carrick presented appropriations requests Northwest submitted to the state for fiscal year 2027. The requests, which are submitted annually to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, include an increase in core appropriations to cover retirement system costs and funding for a center for rural health.

Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Kevin Cagg provided the Board with an annual update on Northwest's cybersecurity practices, as required by federal law. Cagg noted ransomware remains the No. 1 threat to Northwest's technology systems

The Board approved three appointments to the University Police Department, per Missouri statute. The new officers are Lt. Marcus Holmes, Jason Weir and Tanner McKinney.

The Board also approved an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the Nodaway County Emergency Services Board through Dec. 31, 2039. The agreement ensures the Northwest campus is served by local law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services and that central dispatching services include Northwest.

Regents approved the appointments of eight adjunct faculty for the 2025-26 academic year.

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