Task Forces

Task forces were named to focus on six topics that will affect the future of Missouri State University: academic profile, student experience, diversity, globalization, infrastructure and funding.

Members of the Steering Committee chaired the task forces, and each included 16 members representing students, faculty, staff, administrators, donors, alumni and community leaders.

In dealing with their topics, the task forces conducted research, scheduled guest speakers from both on and off campus, organized panel discussions and accessed videos and other pertinent resources. Some task forces organized committees to study key issues in more depth.

On average, the full task forces met 8-10 times. In addition, there were committee meetings and other small group meetings on the topics.

The work of the task forces was supplemented by a series of guest speakers for the benefit of all:

  • Dr. Jillian Kinzie, associate director, Center for Postsecondary Research and National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Institute
  • Dr. Susan Grajek, vice president for data, research and analytics at EDUCAUSE
  • Jim Moody, governmental relations consultant and former budget director for the State of Missouri
  • Mike Downing, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Matt Hesser, the state demographer, also supplied a report on Missouri demographics to the task force members.

Ultimately, each task force submitted a three- to five-page report with supporting documents. The reports include the task force process, trends, reaffirmations, issues, the vision and implications for the next long-range plan.

Academic profile
Envisioning alignment of the University’s array of academic programs, strategic partnerships and research emphasis to help ensure the next generation of students/learners succeeds
Student experience
Envisioning a rich, memorable and distinctive educational experience that helps ensure success for students
Diversity
Envisioning a campus community that embraces diversity in all aspects of campus learning/life
Globalization
Envisioning integration of globalization in all University endeavors in order for the campus community to compete, function and succeed in the worldwide environment/economy
Infrastructure
Envisioning a campus infrastructure — facilities, technology, environmental sustainability — that supports the academic programs and research initiatives, as well as contribute to the University’s overall operational efficiency
Funding
Envisioning the long-term financial vitality of the University and position the University to deal with changes and challenges that might be anticipated in the next 10-12 years

Steering committee

Clif Smart
President
Committee chair

Roberta Aram
Professor, School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences

James Baker
Vice President, Research and Economic Development and International Programs

Drew Bennett
Chancellor, West Plains Campus

Christina Bowles
Academic Advisor

Stephanie Bryant
Dean, College of Business

Russell Carney
Professor, Psychology

Ryan DeBoef
Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President, Governmental Relations

Brittany Donnellan
Student

John Jasinski
Interim Provost, Springfield Campus
Interim Chancellor, Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station at Mountain Grove

Tammy Jahnke
Dean, College of Natural and Applied Science

Paul Kincaid
Kincaid Communications, LLC

Timothy Knapp
Professor, Sociology and Anthropology

Michael F. Murray
Professor, Music

Tom Peters
Dean, Library

Sharmistha Self
Professor, Economics

Suzanne Shaw
Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Dee Siscoe
Vice President, Student Affairs

Christine Sudbrock
Instructor, Agriculture