MoWest Board of Governors launches presidential search

June 3, 2026-The search for the seventh president of Missouri Western State University is officially underway. The Board of Governors is accepting applications and has appointed a search committee.

"We are looking for a mission-driven servant leader with a deep commitment to public higher education," said Bill Grimwood, chair of the Board of Governors and chair of the search committee. "He or she will understand the current higher education landscape, and put MoWest in a position to succeed in that landscape. MoWest is poised to do great things, and I'm confident that we will attract a lot of worthy candidates."

The president serves as MoWest's chief executive and administrative officer, shaping the University's vision, setting its strategic direction and advancing the institution's mission and long-term success.

The Board of Governors also announced membership of a search committee composed of board members, faculty, staff, students and community members:

• 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

Information about the search can be found on MoWest's Presidential Search website.

Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy announced her retirement May 1 after six years at MoWest, including five years as president. Patt Lilly is serving as interim president until the next president takes office.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.