Changes made on Missouri Southern Board of Governors

(From Southern News Service)

Richard Walter marked the end of his term on the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors during the board meeting held Friday, Jan. 17.

Walter, of Webb City, had retired in 2005 as a district engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation. He was appointed to the eight-member board by Gov. Matt Blunt in November 2007. His term expired on Aug. 30, 2013, but he continued to serve on the board until his replacement was announced.

Having served three terms as vice chair before serving as the board’s chairman, Walter was replaced by Tracy Combs Flanigan, who was appointed to the board earlier this month by Gov. Jay Nixon.

“It was very educational and enjoyable,” Walter said of his term on the Board of Governors. “I feel blessed and honored to have been associated with the university and the board.”

Walter will continue to serve as co-chair of the presidential search committee.

Lynn Ewing, the board’s vice chair, will serve as acting chair until the board holds an election, which is expected to take place in February.

“I’m pleased that Richard Walter has agreed to continue to serve on the presidential search committee,” said Ewing. “I’ll miss his work on the board. He was always willing to ask the hard questions.

“On behalf of the board, I’d like to welcome Tracy Combs Flanigan. We’re looking forward to working with her.”

Flanigan, a Carthage resident, operates a private practice in Carthage and Fort Worth, Texas. She serves as outside legal counsel to the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co., and previously as assistant general counsel for the company.

Her term on the Board of Governors will end on Aug. 30, 2019.

Education master's degree proposal to be presented to MSSU Board of Governors

When the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors meets Jan. 17 it will consider changes in the courses offered, including the addition of a master's degree program in education. The master's degree proposal and the classes that would go along with it are printed below:

New Major Proposal – Graduate Program
This is to report the development of a graduate level Teacher Education major: M.S.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction.
New Major Proposal: 13-14:01 and New Course Proposal(s) 13-14:23 through 34
13-14:01 (Major Proposal)
Curriculum & Instruction
A proposal to add a Master of Science in Education.

The long term success of our undergraduate program has created a dedicated pool of alumni seeking to continue their education. Two essential outcomes of our Conceptual Framework is to promote teachers as researchers and lifelong learners. Therefore a high number of our graduates go on to pursue their graduate degree. Given the interest represented in alumni and assistant superintendent surveys; there is a need for a master’s degree program in education. Survey question one by assistant superintendents in our service area showed 81% responded with a moderate to great need for a Master’s program in curriculum and instruction here at MSSU.

13-14:23 (New Course)
Current Issues
EDUC 601
A proposal to add a new course designed to help educators become more aware of current issues and topics related to education.

13-14:24 (New Course)
Educational Technology
EDUC 605
A proposal to add a new course designed to provide an overview of various technologies designed to promote student learning.

13-14:25 (New Course)
Multiculturalism in Education
EDUC 610
A proposal to add a new course designed to provide strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment.

13-14:26 (New Course)
Managing Classroom Environments
EDUC 615
A proposal to add a new course designed to provide seasoned teachers an opportunity to assess their classroom management style with a focus on improving performance.

13-14:27 (New Course)
Advanced Learning Theories
EDUC 620
A proposal to add a new course designed to inform students about the major theorists who have contributed to the study of learning.

13-14:28 (New Course) Literacy Instruction
 EDUC 625
A proposal to add a new course designed to provide an overview of the key factors influencing student literacy including motivation and metacognitive awareness.

13-14:29 (New Course)
Assessment of Student Learning
EDUC 630
A proposal to add a new course that is an overview of the current research, theory, and practice related to assessment and student learning.

13-14:30 (New Course)
Research Design EDUC 650
A proposal to add a new course that is an overview of the various methods used in conducting educational research.

13-14:31 (New Course)
School Law
EDUC 635
A proposal to add a new course that is a survey of the laws and policies that govern P-12 education and their theoretical foundations.

13-14:32 (New Course) 
Teacher Leadership
 EDUC 660
A proposal to add a new course. In this course students will identify characteristics of the effective teacher leader and examine issues such as leadership styles, facilitation, reflection, and problem solving.

13-14:33 (New Course)
Curriculum Construction
EDUC 640
A proposal to add a new course designed to provide information related to current P-12 curriculum development.


13-14:34 (New Course)
Improvement of Instruction
EDUC 645
A proposal to add a new course designed to provide seasoned teachers an opportunity to assess their teaching styles and strategies with a focus on improving performance and becoming an instructional leader.

Agenda provided for Jan. 17 MSSU Board of Governors meeting

MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY Board of Governors January Meeting Agenda

Friday, January 17, 2014 – 1:00 PM Boardroom, BSC 310

1. Announcements 

2. Minutes of November 15, 2013 meeting

 3. Reports - Treasurer (Ms. Linda Eis) - VP for Business Affairs (Mr. Rob Yust) - Athletic Director (Mr. Jared Bruggeman) - VP for Development (Ms. JoAnn Graffam) - Interim VP for Academic Affairs (Dr. Pat Lipira) - VP for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management (Mr. Darren Fullerton) - Faculty Senate President (Dr. Joy Dworkin) - Staff Senate President (Ms. Alicia Hughes) - Student Senate President (Mr. Noah Triplett) - Board Committees - Interim President (Dr. Alan Marble)

 4. Old Business

 5. New Business - Presidential Search Committee Charge (Dr. Sherry Buchanan) - Consideration of Academic Policies Proposals (Dr. Pat Lipira) - “Super Leaders” (Mr. Darren Fullerton and Ms. Nicole Brown) - Other items as may be necessary