Momentum and Reflection, 13 years of performance excellence by Northwest Missouri State University

MOMENTUM AND REFLECTION

13 YEARS OF PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE

LEADERSHIP Seven things one must do To be a leader right and true Have vision that is strong and clear Communicate so they can hear Have people skills based in love And character that’s far above The competence to solve and teach And boldness that had fearless reach A serving heart that stands close by To help, assist and edify

— Pat Williams

This book is presented to Dr. John Jasinski and his family in celebration of stellar leadership, commitment and vision for Northwest Missouri State University. On behalf of Bearcats everywhere, it has been our honor to work with you. Dziękuję

Repositioning and Preparing Finally, at this busy time of year, please take time to greet our students: They are why we are here. Stop and greet them, talk to them, welcome them! Let’s make sure we take time to get to know our students and remind them that we have high expectations, and we hope they will take advantage of faculty and staff expertise, as well as other institutional resources, which are designed to help them succeed. As you prepare for next week, perhaps you can ask, “What have I improved today?” 4

2009

“The depth of the partnership is the real meat-and-potatoes in any relationship. We focus on triple wins: a win for our partner, a win for Northwest and a win for our students.”

LEADING FORWARD The new president’s love for Northwest and his optimism for the future are contagious, making the transition to the Jasinski era a smooth one for the University’s stakeholders.

Aug. 28, 2009

The H1N1 influenza outbreak hit Northwest as two students are diagnosed with the flu strain.

Sept. 9, 2009

Sept. 25, 2009

Sept. 30, 2009

Gov. Jay Nixon spoke at dedication ceremonies for Northwest’s new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The David “DC” Colt Athletic Training Room is unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Lamkin Activity Center, renamed after the Bearcats’ head athletic trainer for 27 years.

President Jasinski and women’s head basketball coach Gene Steinmeyer competed with other local personalities for the “Hottest Guy in Maryville” title, a hotwings-eating contest sponsored by Maryville radio station KNIM/97.1 FM.

A new family in the Gaunt House

IN THE HEADLINES May 21, 2009

Regents select Jasinski as next Northwest president “Northwest has been a book with nine chapters,” James W. “Bill” Loch said. “Now we are about to write the 10th chapter. We’re ready to turn the page.” July 2, 2009

It’s official: President Jasinski era begins at Northwest “Northwest is a great institution,” said Jasinski, the University’s 10th president. “It’s just vibrant, and looking ahead I see nothing but greatness on the horizon.” Oct. 14, 2009

Dr. John Jasinski to be installed Oct. 23 as Northwest’s 10th president “I am deeply honored to have been chosen to lead this great University with such distinguished faculty, outstanding staff, excellent students and loyal and very passionate alumni.”

Oct. 9, 2009

Oct. 21, 2009

Dec. 3, 2009

Dec. 12, 2009

Northwest announced its enrollment had hit an all-time high with 7,076 students, which included a record-breaking 1,466 freshmen.

Actor and comedian Dave Coulier, best known as Uncle Joey on the long-running television series “Full House,” performed at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.

More than 150 people gathered on the lawn of the Thomas Gaunt House for the first holiday tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Jasinski family.

The Bearcat football team defeated Grand Valley State University, 3023, to win its third NCAA Division II National Championship in Florence, Alabama.

Responding and Transforming Thank you for your attendance at our all-employee meeting Wednesday as we set our focus on what we must do to be successful this next academic year and beyond. Please thank Clarence Green for his poise and presence and leading the way for all of us. It was a privilege to welcome each of you back, and what a treat it was to talk with Dr. Mark Corson. I know it meant a great deal for him to see all of you and he appreciates your support immensely! There were not many dry eyes in the audience and his and his comrades’ work puts into perspective what we are facing daily. Brigadier General Corson sent me a note and I’d like to share most of it with you: “Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak to my daughter and greet you and my colleagues at the opening meeting. When I told my Soldiers of the spontaneous applause which was really for all of them it was a real boost to morale. We have been doing important work over here and over the last few days we have entertained US and international press … we also had a staff delegation from the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senator McCain’s office. It has been high adventure. But the best outreach was to my friends and colleagues at Northwest. Thank you again for that opportunity.” 8

2010

Jan. 8, 2010 During an All-Employee Meeting in Bearcat Arena, President Jasinski praised faculty and staff for their contributions during the 2009 fall semester, which included making $503,000 in voluntary budget cuts. Feb. 16, 2010 Thirty-five students joined President Jasinski on a trip to the state capitol in Jefferson City to speak with legislators and gain support for Northwest. Jasinski testified to the Missouri House Appropriations Committee, “Make no mistake, we will continue to mine every dollar that is not productive and question every process, program and person that is not serving our purpose. But we want you to know that our mission is to deliver on our heritage of innovation to address the uncertain economic times before us.” Apr. 20, 2010 The Student Senate voted unanimously to return $10,000 from its budget to the University in response to state cuts to higher education funding.

Aug. 1, 2010 Northwest became a smoke-free campus.

“Thi dea

Oct. 7, 2010 Northwest celebrated the centennial of the Administration Building and its recent addition to the National Register of Historic Places with a morning ceremony in front of the building.

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2010

is building is a centering point for all of us, if you think about structures, events and people, its a big al for all of us...it’s about perserverance and moving Bearcat country forward.”

Executing and Succeeding Yesterday, the campus was absolutely buzzing again as we welcomed some 1,500 freshmen to Northwest. From first-generation college students to second or third-generation Bearcats, as our dean of enrollment management, Bev Schenkel, and our student ambassadors reminded us Wednesday, they come from all over the world and are diverse as ever. Director of Residential Life Rose Viau, our Residential Life staff and the students who volunteer for the ‘Cat Crew also do such a fantastic job helping new students get settled. Again, please welcome our students as you pass them on the sidewalks or see them throughout the community. Show them why our Northwest hospitality is known so well throughout the region.

2011

Jan. 25, 2011

Jan. 31, 2011

March 14, 2011

March 23, 2011

June 5, 2011

Four students participated in the annual Colden Pond Plunge and raised a record $3,860 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A blizzard struck the Midwest, and the Northwest campus was closed for three days, reopening on Feb. 3

A small crowd gathered outside the Lamkin Activity Center to welcome back the Northwest Wrestling Club, which had won the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Division II National Championship during the weekend in Macon, Ga.

The Bearcat women’s basketball team ended its best season in program history with a 78-89 loss to Michigan Tech in the Final Four round of the NCAA Division II national tournament. The Bearcats finished 29-5 while claiming the program’s first-ever regional title.

Scott Bostwick, who was named the Bearcat football team’s head coach in January, died of a heart attack while mowing the lawn at his Maryville home.

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2011

IN THE HEADLINES Oct. 11, 2011

Northwest’s enrollment reaches alltime high for fourth straight year Northwest’s total student headcount reached 7,225 students this fall, a 1.2 percent increase from last year’s enrollment. “We are pleased to have set record enrollment numbers again this fall, but we are more proud that our success rates remain significantly better than other regional institutions.”

June 9, 2011

June 23, 2011

July 8, 2011

Aug. 18, 2011

Fans gathered to honor Head Football Coach Scott Bostwick during a Celebration of Life service at Bearcat Stadium. The program took on a game day atmosphere and included tributes to Bostwick.

Adam Dorrel, a former Bearcat football player, graduate assistant and an assistant coach for the previous seven seasons, was named head football coach. Dorrel became the 19th head coach in the program’s history and the third in six months after the retirement of Mel Tjeerdsma and the unexpected death of Scott Bostwick.

The Upward Bound program celebrated 25 years at Northwest with a reunion at the Thomas Gaunt House. The program helps high school students realize their goals of attending college.

A powerful evening storm, carrying heavy rain, hail and 80 mph straight-line winds, caused widespread damage to the campus. The storm caused a power outage, numerous broken windows, water damage and downed tree limbs as well as damage to roofs and siding on campus.

2012

Convergence As discussed during Wednesday’s meeting, our budget is in place, we are moving forward and are positioned to do some great things this year that will continue to set us apart from other institutions. With our focus on retention, we must be more engaged than ever with our students, the city of Maryville and our northwest Missouri region, the state of Missouri and beyond to create that awareness of Northwest Missouri State and the benefits of higher education.

Jan. 16, 2012 Dozens of Northwest students marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a peace march from the Northwest campus to the steps of the Nodaway County Courthouse, where it concluded with speakers and a city proclamation. Feb. 16, 2012 In response to “the continuing shifts across higher education,” Northwest announced a realignment of its academic programs, which included trimming its academic departments from 19 to 11 and the elimination of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, effective July 1. Apr. 29, 2012 Gov. Jay Nixon delivered the commencement address at the University’s afternoon ceremony honoring graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Human Services. Sept. 5, 2012 President Jasinski flew with the Blue Angels as one of three “key influencers” selected for the flight and represented the higher education sector.

Sept. 25, 2012 The City of Maryville and Northwest announced a joint partnership to begin engineering design on the Fourth Street Improvement Project, which sought to improve the corridor along West Fourth Street from Main Street west to the University entrance near North Dunn Street.

“A day that goes by without helping someone is a day wasted.”

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2012

— Roberto Clemente

“This is an exciting time for our University and the city. The Maryville community has shown Northwest, our students, employees and alumni tremendous support through the years. We are confident the Fourth Street corridor project along with other planned community improvements will couple nicely with our beautiful campus.”

Alignment and Implementation As we begin this academic year, I hope you will continue to be mindful of our mission, vision and values but also of American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) President Dr. Muriel Howard’s challenge and charge to all of us Wednesday: How will we ensure Northwest becomes an even better university? Our challenge is to adapt and evolve, but the values of Northwest will stay intact. Our duty remains to our students’ success – every student, every day. As “the Princeton of the middle class,” we will educate, advance and provide opportunities for our students. We will propose solutions to problems. We will innovate as we continue to evolve. We will provide access to opportunity and transform lives. And every one of us plays a role in carrying out that responsibility. 20

2013

Jan. 19, 2013

Feb. 1, 2013

Feb. 8, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

April 20, 2013

For the second consecutive year and third time in four years, Northwest’s cheerleading squad claimed the Universal Cheerleaders Association Division II National Championship.

Gov. Jay Nixon visited the campus to discuss the state’s performance-based funding model and praised Northwest for achieving all five benchmarks funding.

Northwest student Aakash Patel entered into a lease agreement with the University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to build his start-up company BlurPort LLC, a producer of secure USB data storage devices.

President Jasinski appeared as the “Delivery Man” in Northwest’s production of “Barefoot in the Park.”

Northwest unveiled an updated family of athletics logos that included a more modern paw and new Bobby Bearcat logos.

IN THE HEADLINES “The work that was accomplished as of late has given us a strong foundation for the future. However, we never want the ‘how we invest’ to overshadow the ‘why we invest.’ Those reasons are, and will always be, to support Northwest and to focus on student success – every student, every day – as you direct us through your generous gifts.”

April 9, 2013

Jasinski appointed chairperson of panel of judges for Baldrige Program for Performance Excellence “The Baldrige Performance Excellence Program is the pinnacle in helping organizations excel, and I am deeply proud of my association with the program,” Jasinski said. “It is a high honor to serve our country in the name of competitiveness, and never has the program been so important to our nation.”

May 4, 2013

Sept. 19, 2013

Oct. 4, 2013

Dec. 21, 2013

Northwest confered a record 708 degrees during its spring commencement exercises. Dr. Stuart Brand, director of learning experience at Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom, gave the commencement address and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Pedagogy.

Northwest hosted a grand-opening event to celebrate the transformation of its Campus Dining options, which included an all-you-care to-eat menu in the remodeled Bearcat Commons and a suite of retail dining choices consisting of Einstein Bros. Bagels, Chick-fil-A and Zen Asian cuisine as well as a Starbucks in the B.D. Owens Library.

Northwest hosted the inaugural Missouri Hope, a three-day disaster response field training exercise for students studying majors or minors in comprehensive crisis response.

The Northwest football team won its fourth NCAA Division II National Championship with a 43-28 victory over LenoirRhyne in the last Division II football championship game played in Florence, Alabama.

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2013

“We must be headlights, not taillights.” — Congressman John Lewis

IN THE HEADLINES June 11, 2013

Jasinski elected to chair role of statewide COPHE board “We look forward to working with our key constituents, civic and business leaders, elected representatives and the Governor to continue moving early childhood, elementary and secondary and higher education, forward in Missouri.”

2014

Championship Performance Our first-year students are moved in and Advantage activities are under way. The University grounds look awesome, and it is good to see campus buzzing again. This time of year always brings a sense of renewal. Thank you for the extraordinary comments after Wednesday’s All-Employee Meeting as we set our focus on the academic year ahead. As I said, things are converging for Northwest in a beautiful way, and our strategic plan will guide us in a unified direction toward reaching our four strategic objectives: innovative enrollment growth, improved college completion, having an engaged and high performing workforce, and organizational viability.

Feb. 10, 2014

Feb. 22, 2014

March 13, 2014

April 29, 2014

For the second time in three years the Missouri State Recycling Program recognized Northwest as a state leader in recycling and sustainability efforts with its 2013 Annual Recycling Award during a ceremony with Gov. Jay Nixon at the capitol in Jefferson City.

Northwest’s TRIO program honored President Jasinski and first lady Denise Jasinski with its prestigious TRIO Champions award.

Gov. Jay Nixon visited a Board of Regents meeting to applaud the University and Board members for answering his call to freeze undergraduate tuition.

Cody Uhing was sworn in for his second term as Student Senate president, becoming just the third student in the Student Senate’s history to be elected to a second term as president of the student body.

May 3, 2014

May 31, 2014

June 12, 2014

July 11, 2014

Sept. 20, 2014

Jay Taylor, of Kansas City, became the first graduate of Northwest’s bachelor’s degree program in nanoscale science.

The Northwest community gathered to honor the lives and legacies of its seventh president and first lady with a ceremony dedicating the Robert & Virginia Foster Fitness Center, which was to open in the fall of 2015.

Northwest announced the hiring of Dr. Tim Mottet as its next provost.

The Northwest Foundation Board of Directors voted unanimously to launch the Forever Green fundraising campaign, beginning with a quiet phase to cultivate lead donors.

Northwest celebrated the renaming of its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in honor of President Emeritus Dr. Dean L. Hubbard.

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2014

2015

Disrupting from a Position of Strength An irritating All-Employee Meeting speaker. He talked from the heart. Angels encourage. You matter. We all matter. We can and should gather stories from those we serve. We can and should ask each other about our stories. We need to listen. To connect. To make learning and growing uncomfortable.

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2015

IN THE HEADLINES Jan. 6, 2015

Businesses, Northwest, MCC, Northland CAPS, Northland schools celebrate innovation partnership designation, receipt of grant May 1, 2015

Economic impact study finds Northwest’s regional impact generates $617.5 million in income, jobs, taxpayer benefits “This study confirms what many of us who live and work in northwest Missouri have suspected for a long time – that Northwest Missouri State is an important economic driver throughout the region. We take tremendous pride in that role as well as our responsibility to taxpayers to be good financial stewards.” Aug. 19, 2015

AASCU recognizes Northwest for excellence in international education

June 15, 2015 The Northwest and Maryville communities celebrated the completion of the Fourth Street Improvement Project and the re-opening of the street with an evening ribbon-cutting and blockparty style festival.

Aug. 31, 2015 The Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center, the result of a complete renovation of the former Foster Aquatic Center, opened to students and employees in conjunction with the start of the fall trimester. The University dedicated the building with a grand-opening ceremony celebration the next week on Sept. 10. Sept. 8, 2015 Northwest announced Diana Linville, an instructor in the Department of Mathematics Computer Science and Information Systems, as its recipient of the 2016 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

Oct. 23, 2015 Northwest dedicated the Michael L. Faust Media Lab in Wells Hall, a remodeled classroom with state-of-the art technology to support student learning in the School of Communication and Mass Media as the result of a gift from Faust, a 1974 alumnus.

Dec. 19, 2015 The Northwest football team beat Shepherd University, 34-7, to win its fifth NCAA Division II national championship. A record-setting crowd of 16,181 fans attended to see the Bearcats win the title playing at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2015

2016

Focus We are focused on creating and maintaining a highly effective, comprehensive experience through our academic programming and strategic enrollment efforts. We are focused on retaining students and employing strategies to ensure they are making connections that span interdisciplinary, curricular and co-curricular experiences to enhance learning and college completion. We are focused on enhancing our University and community climate by creating a framework for diversity, equity and inclusion so that we may be a model for producing graduates who have a comprehensive understanding of our world and are marketable in the global economy. We are focused on establishing a high performance culture that values every employee throughout our institutional units – one that ensures you are contributing, that you have the tools to do your job successfully and that offers fair market compensation. We are focused on organizational viability through the roadmap that our Campus Master Plan now provides and through the work of our University Advancement team to ensure we are providing opportunities for connecting, access and an exceptional experience. 39

IN THE HEADLINES Aug. 24, 2016

Northwest Foundation announces $1 million gift in honor of board member, loyal alumnus Michael Faust “Honoring Mike Faust with a namesake center for alumni and friends is so very appropriate as he stands for Bearcat connections through and through.” Nov. 11, 2016

Plans for Northwest Multipurpose Complex unfolding to boost student engagement, competitive advantage, economic development For decades Northwest Missouri State University has been a leader among its peer institutions in the areas of recruitment and retention. Now, as the race to attract and keep students continues to evolve and a strong partnership with the city of Maryville works to boost economic development, Northwest is shaping plans for a facility

that will meet a multitude of University and community needs. With the support of surrounding communities and businesses, the planned Northwest Multipurpose Complex represents the single largest publicprivate partnership in Northwest’s 111-year history – and one of the largest publicprivate partnerships ever in the region. The estimated $20 million project is using multiple financing sources, including commitments from the University, private donors and community supporters. Maryville residents showed their support of the project Nov. 8 by voting to approve a transient guest tax to advance tourism and economic development. A portion of the funding from the transient guest tax will assist with the construction and operation of the complex. Building the facility is a strategic focus of Northwest – in its strategic plan, campus master plan and Forever Green comprehensive campaign.

“With the Northwest Multipurpose Complex, for not just the University but the community as a whole, we’re really realizing four goals – focusing on health and wellness; athletic competitiveness; recruitment, engagement and especially retention of our students; and partnerships with the city, the county and the broader community, which are very important to us. It would help us realize significant goals that are aligned with our strategic plan.” Dec. 9, 2016

Northwest meets all state performance measures again For the fourth time in the five years since Missouri implemented its performancebased funding model for the state’s public two- and four-year institutions, Northwest Missouri State University has achieved all five benchmarks and will receive 100 percent of the funding appropriated to the University within the state’s FY18 budget. Dec. 9, 2016

Jasinski appointed to Baldrige board, KC development council

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2016 Jan. 29, 2016 Northwest and the Missouri Army National Guard signed an agreement to establish the Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) Program, a partnership that develops commissioned officers and provides a pathway to degree completion.

April 29, 2016 Northwest announced the appointment of Dr. Juanita Simmons as its first vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sept. 15, 2016 Northwest commemorated the opening of five professional schools with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open houses. The result of an academic restructuring, Northwest introduced the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Communication and Mass Media, and the School of Agricultural Sciences.

Oct. 3, 2016 Northwest announced Dr. Tiebing Shi, an assistant professor of marketing, as the University’s recipient of the 2017 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

Dec. 17, 2016 The Northwest football team won its sixth NCAA Division II national championship in program history, beating North Alabama, 29-3, during a snowstorm at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

“We will be practical, utilize our existing resources and enhance our living and learning environment.”

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2016

s wisely, 43

2017

Momentum We talk a lot at Northwest about tearing down silos and interdisciplinary approaches. As we consider community partnerships to assist businesses, nonprofits and our community as a whole – in any area of study – and how can we look differently at physical locations on our own campus? Our Campus Master Plan provides many opportunities and, certainly, we will discover others are we work on master plans for areas such as residential life and agricultural sciences. We will take Ron’s message and expand on it to better our campus.

IN THE HEADLINES Feb. 1, 2017

Fourth Street Improvement Project recognized as ‘Great Place’ “The Fourth Street Improvement Project has been both a symbol and catalyst. It represents an enhanced and ongoing collaborative effort between the city of Maryville and Northwest Missouri State University and also serves as a metaphor for dynamic growth throughout the community and University. Further, the Fourth Street Improvement Project has been a catalyst for those thinking through possible partnerships, investments and growth strategies. It is a visual image that shows working together for a common good is indeed the right and smart thing to do.” May 23, 2017

Northwest report illustrates $66 million-plus savings in 4 years “One of Northwest’s core competencies is being resourceful. We have been resourceful for 112 years and will continue to do so. We are stewards of taxpayer money and focus on quality, access and affordability. This study reinforces the Bearcat culture and climate as we carry out our traits and competencies.” June 15, 2017

Groundbreaking launches construction phase for Hughes Fieldhouse Aug. 25, 2017

Northwest receives national recognition for sustainability practices Sept. 19, 2017

U.S. News and World Report ranks Northwest as top moderately selective regional university for third time in four years Sept. 28, 2017

Rankings place Northwest among nation’s most affordable

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2017

Jan. 4, 2017

March 9, 2017

Oct. 20

Northwest announced its first-ever endowed professorship, the Dennis C. Dau Endowed Professorship in Instrumental Music, through a $500,000 cash gift honoring Dennis Dau, a 1970 and 1971 graduate, to support a faculty member in instrumental music.

Northwest announced its decision to close the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing – a two-year accelerated, early-entrance-to-college residential program for academically-talented students that opened on the campus in 2000 – at the conclusion of the 2017-2018 academic year as part of an effort by the University to refocus on its core mission of providing students with opportunities to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Northwe alumni c Center f gift from Omaha, Northwe

0, 2017

Oct. 27, 2017

Nov. 3, 2017

est dedicated the completed expansion of its center and its renaming as the Michael L. Faust for Alumni and Friends as the result of a $1 million m the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation of , Nebraska, in honor of 1974 alumnus and longtime est Foundation Board Member Michael Faust.

The defending NCAA Division II national champion Bearcat men’s basketball team faced off against the Duke University Blue Devils, losing 93-60, in a preseason exhibition game at the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium. Two years later the ’Cats narrowly lost a rematch.

Northwest announced Dr. Jamie Hooyman as its next provost after Dr. Timothy Mottet had resigned the previous spring to become president at Colorado State University-Pueblo.

2018

70 North and 30 South control what WE can control Along with our core competencies of being safe, trusted, invested and resourceful – we call it STIR – we are guided by our five strategic objectives. They guide our thinking, our actions and our investments. Our priorities for the academic year continue the work we have been doing, with a focus on recruitment and retention. We are continuing our focus on new academic programming and delivery methods, intensifying our focus on profession-based learning and uplifting students by meeting their needs.

“Because of the Hughes Fieldhouse, peers, competitors, friends and foes are taking note. They are acknowledging Northwest’s culture, our performance excellence and that we indeed are the university of choice.”

IN THE HEADLINES Aug. 24, 2018

AASCU honors Northwest with Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award “We take great pride in this national recognition as it recognizes an amazing and dedicated faculty and staff committed to a never-ending journey of continuously improving what we do.”

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2018

“We talk about being forever green and there is no better personification than Dr. Harr. His family’s impact on the University and our region is decades long, and Doc has helped so many people and supports our student-athletes in a matter-of-fact manner.”

Jan. 13, 2018 Northwest dedicated the Harr Athletic Success Center, a remodeled space in the lower level of the Lamkin Activity Center to foster the academic success of student-athletes and named in honor of the Harr family for its legacy of education, service and leadership at the University. Feb. 15, 2018 A capacity crowd filled the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts as Dr. Temple Grandin, a globally recognized authority for improving the welfare and handling of farm animals, delivered Northwest’s annual James H. Lemon Lecture. March 5, 2018 The Wind Symphony performed at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

June 21, 2018 Children, teachers, staff, parents and local leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of a new outdoor classroom in the yard north of the Horace Mann Laboratory School.

Sept. 28, 2018 Northwest announced the results of its fall census count with a headcount of 6,857 students, which represented an enrollment increase of 8.2 percent from the year prior, and showed an institutional record 78 percent retention rate.

Oct. 12, 2018

Hundreds gathered to step inside the finished Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse for the first time as Northwest hosted a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility. Northwest donors committed nearly $14 million to build the $21 million facility.

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2018 CONT.

Adventure 2030 As discussed Friday, Northwest performs. And that’s important because, as we think about the future and disruption, our strategic plan has us positioned to ride the roller coaster that will affect our industry for the next decade. Our strategic plan is the product of inputs, environment scans and research provided by so many. We also gathered your input during our Future Talks, which we plan to continue. We outlined our four strategic objectives Friday – Learners, Partners, People and Operations. Within those, we have 13 themes that we have prioritized. We will focus on a few this year and a few more next year. We know we have gaps and opportunities and areas we need to address. We will develop action plans and focus on the things that are best for Northwest.

2019

IN THE HEADLINES Feb. 11, 2019

Northwest participating in AASCU project to expand, share student success initiatives “Like Northwest, AASCU recognizes the need to increase graduation rates and narrow achievement gaps, and we are eager to help AASCU support new and innovative approaches to improving student success.” Oct. 17, 2019

Northwest garners national recognition for peer-leading student success Oct. 24, 2019

Northwest launches Forever Green campaign with $45 million goal “Northwest is a steward of place. We’re a steward of this community and the communities we’re serving. We are an engine of opportunity. Our Forever Green campaign represents an important fuel to burn an engine of opportunity.”

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2019

Feb. 27, 2019

March 30, 2019

April 5, 2019

June 11, 2019

June 28, 2019

Dr. John Jasinski was named a 2019 Icon of Education in the February edition of Ingram’s business magazine.

The Bearcat men’s basketball team defeated Point Loma Nazarene University, 64-58, at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, to complete a perfect 38-0 season and claim its second NCAA Division II national championship.

Northwest dedicated the Mark Rosewell Tennis Center at the Frank Grube Courts, a project to refurbish and expand the home of the Bearcat men’s and women’s tennis programs, while celebrating Mark Rosewell’s legacy as Northwest’s head tennis coach.

The Northwest community gathered to dedicate the renaming of its power plant as the John C. Redden Jr. Power Plant. Redden, who died Nov. 12, 2018, after 45 years of service to Northwest as a staff member in its Facility Services area.

Northwest announced Dr. Clarence Green, its chief of police since 1997, as vice president of culture, a new role with oversight of the Office of Human Resource and the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness. The change resulted from a realignment of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and departure of Nola Bond, the University’s vice president of strategy and operations since 2013.

Aug. 8, 2019

Sept. 10, 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

Oct. 26, 2019

In addition to approving curriculum proposals creating two master’s degree programs and two education specialist programs, the Board of Regents celebrated the leadership of Regent Dr. Patrick Harr, who participated in his last meeting since being appointed to the Board in 2013 and serving as its chair from 2015 until the previous June. The University dedicated in his honor a white flowering dogwood tree planted near the southeast corner of Horace Mann Laboratory School, which Harr attended.

President Jasinski was elected chair of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri (COPHE), adding to his recent reappointment to the Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Northwest launched the public phase of the Forever Green campaign with a $45 million fundraising goal.

For the second time in three seasons, the defending NCAA Division II national champion Bearcat men’s basketball team faced off against the Duke University Blue Devils in a preseason exhibition game at the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Bearcats lost 69-63 as Northwest guard Trevor Hudgins led all scorers with 27 points.

Bearcats Together Classes are in session and on-ground at Northwest Missouri State University – and for that, on behalf of the Northwest Leadership Team, I say thank you! Our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to help us achieve the milestone of resuming classes on campus this week while we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. As with any time you try something that hasn’t been done previously, we have experienced things this week that we are addressing. And we’ve observed things we didn’t anticipate that reinforce our need to be agile.

2020

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2020

“It’s been gratifying to see so many University. That, after all, is what we just survive but be a stronger univer

people want to step out and be part of the solution at our e’re about at Northwest. As we say ‘Bearcats Together,’ we will not rsity when we come out of this pandemic.”

Jan. 9, 2020 Northwest was one of five institutions in the nation selected to join the AASCU’s pilot cohort focused on student success strategies and supported by a grant funded through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Jan. 30, 2020 With five cases of COVID-19 identified in the United States, Northwest notified its campus community via an email alert that it was monitoring the virus and asked students and employees to take precautions. March 13, 2020 After the federal government and state of Missouri declared states of emergency due to COVID-19, Northwest announced all courses were moving online, starting March 23, for a minimum of two weeks. Additionally, all student organization and external events were canceled through April 5. March 18, 2020 One day after gathering faculty and staff leaders in the Student Union Ballroom to discuss the institution’s response and direction during the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwest announced it was moving courses online for the remainder of the semester to help minimize the spread of the virus and limit academic disruptions. March 20, 2020 Out of an abundance of caution to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, Northwest transitioned to restricted operations, and all campus facilities were closed to the public, effective at 5 p.m. July 31, 2020 In response to nationwide racial unrest and Jasinski’s challenge to the Northwest Foundation Board to consider how it can better support students of color, 1980 alumna Karen Daniel announced her $1 million cash gift to establish the Karen L. Daniel Legacy Fund to provide scholarships for 65 Black students and assist Northwest with its renewed focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

A Little Engine That Does Colleagues and friends, we are positioned for a strong and successful 2021-22 because Northwest is the little engine that does. We have had so much to celebrate during the last year – from ribbon cuttings, to individual and team awards, athletic victories and milestones – while we keep an eye toward the future and think about the tracks ahead of us. We’ll do it with our strategic plan, titled “Adventure 2030,” and our four strategic themes as guideposts. We will be intentional in addressing opportunities and executing our plan. And know that as we address flexible excellence, people excellence, operational excellence and COVID-19, we need and desire all employees to contribute. Your efforts and the strength of our strategic plan will enable us in separating Northwest from the pack of other higher education institutions in our state and region. 66

2021

IN THE HEADLINES July 16, 2021

Northwest garners national recognition for pandemic response “We at Northwest are humbled by the national recognition from AASCU. Our pandemic response was not with an award in mind, but this recognition validates our approach and deployment thereof as well as Northwest’s role model status.” July 30, 2021

Northwest celebrates opening of Agricultural Learning Center, culmination of $55 million fundraising campaign “We have momentum because of the enormously successful Forever Green campaign. Northwest Missouri State is the little engine that does. We have a great amount of momentum and the love and the ability to not only dream but to achieve our dreams.” Sept. 17, 2021

Northwest breaks enrollment record with 8% increase in total headcount, marking fourth consecutive year of growth Northwest Missouri State University’s total headcount this fall is 7,870 students, making it the highest enrollment in the institution’s 116-year history, according to the University’s fall census count this week.

FROM THE TWEET DECK 2021

“The unbelievable hard work, dedication, perseverance and resilience of our student body and entire faculty and staff are truly the hallmarks of this recognition. We said from the beginning we wanted Northwest to be stronger coming out of the pandemic, and it is clear we are 69 on that path.”

Jan. 26, 2021 Northwest, in collaboration with Mosaic Medical Center-Maryville and the Nodaway County Health Department, hosted the first in a series of COVID-19 vaccination clinics that continued at the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse throughout the spring. .

Feb. 11, 2021

March 27, 2021

May 8, 2021

Northwest’s spring census showed graduate enrollment had increased by 40.6 percent from a year prior to 2,038 students, setting a record for any semester at the institution. Overall enrollment increased by 6.9 percent from the previous spring to 6,877, and first-time freshman headcount was up 2.9 percent.

The Bearcat men’s basketball team beat West Texas A&M University, 80-54, to cap a 28-2 season and win its third national title in last four full seasons. The Bearcats finished with the most wins of any NCAA Division II school and as one of five Division II schools to reach 20 wins during the season.

Northwest completed eight commencement ceremonies in three days to celebrate its spring graduates as well as those who earned degrees during the previous year but were unable to participate in ceremonies postponed or canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aug. 26, 2021

Sept. 17, 2021

Oct. 1, 2021

Oct. 29, 2021

Northwest celebrated the remodel of its Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the Student Union with a ribboncutting.

The Bearcat volleyball team played its home opener in the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse, the first of five matches it played in the facilty while Bearcat Arena’s roof underwent repairs

Northwest awarded a a $10,000 scholarship prize to Kate Kilpatrick, a sophmore geology major, for being fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The scholarship giveaway was the culmination of a series of prize drawings to help increase COVID-19 vaccination rates on campus during the global pandemic.

Jasinski recognized Joe Bell, a 1963 alumnus and Northwest’s first African American graduate, during the Board of Regents meeting. The next day, Bell served as Homecoming grand marshal and was recognized during halftime of the Homecoming football game.

Opportunities

Obstacles

Happy new year and welcome to our spring 2022 semester! It is always a good feeling to welcome our employees back to campus after a break while providing a special welcome to new faculty and staff who have joined us since fall. As we reflected at this morning’s All-Employee Meeting on Northwest’s recent past and looked ahead to what is on the horizon, it is clear that obstacles lie ahead – but that those obstacles may be disguised as opportunities and can be transformed into green lights. As I concluded this morning, I referenced Matthew McConaughey’s book, “Greenlights,” and I asked: What are your green lights? What are Northwest’s green lights? As we think about our GEPP – grace, empathy, patience and positivity quotients – I challenge all of us this spring to acknowledge and celebrate green lights. Be headlights on our campus, in our community and in our society!

2022

IN THE HEADLINES Feb. 16, 2022

Northwest records highest spring enrollment in institution’s history The University’s spring census shows overall enrollment increased by 5 percent from a year ago to a headcount of 7,218. “These numbers are a credit to our teams and the outstanding work all of us do every day to recruit, retain and help our students persist toward the completion of their degrees. Northwest continues to uplift the communities it serves, and we are proud to carry out our mission focused on student success, serve as a steward of place and ultimately help exemplify what it means to be a Bearcat.”

“Bottom line, friends, the college campus, enrollment patterns, programming and services of, say, the 1970s and 1980s, is nothing like the 2020s and what is coming in the 2030s. We must not dream of years gone by, but rather continue addressing obstacles, opportunities and pathways ahead.”

Feb. 8, 2022

March 17, 2022

March 26, 2022

April 1, 2022

May 7, 2022

Northwest hosted retired NASA astronaut Capt. Scott Kelly at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts as part of its Distinguished Lecture Series.

The Board of Regents approved the University’s recommendation of a $1.3 million renovation of the third floor of Martindale Hall, the first phase of a long-term plan to renovate one of the campus’ oldest buildings.

The Bearcat men’s basketball team won its fourth NCAA Division II national championship in the last five full seasons and became the first Division II institution to claim three consecutive national championships with a 6758 defeat of Augusta University in Evansville, Indiana.

President Jasinski announced he will depart the University June 30.

President Jasinski presided over his last commencement ceremony at Northwest.

Snapshots and Memories