MWSU president speaks at Public Affairs Coffee event

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)—Missouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy discussed the college's current challenges and how it's working to find solutions at a Public Affairs Coffee Thursday morning.

Some of those challenges include acquiring students in a declining population, "keeping the lights on," and making college an appealing option.

When it comes to the solutions the university seeks for improvement, Kennedy said, since Covid-19, Missouri Western has seen a rise in enrollment.

Kennedy also said she hopes to see enrollment numbers continue to increase with the different programs the college offers.

"What we need to do then,  is to widen our pipeline of students who are gonna graduate and stay in St. Joseph in the careers here," said Kennedy. "That they are moving, and I would say that Missouri Western is moving in the right direction."

While the university has seen an increase in fixed, costs, it also wants to see an increase in government funding.

Kennedy also said a third solution to support the betterment of the college, would be to show incoming prospects what having a degree from Missouri Western would be like.

While a rise in enrollment and continuing to bring students into the college is good, Kennedy said she hopes Missouri Western graduates would want to grow their families in St. Joseph.

With the different programs offered, Kennedy believes the college is trying to foster growth in the St. Joseph community.

"We know that Missouri Western is preparing its students for this community's future needs," said Kennedy.

Kennedy also revealed the university's re-brand to "MO West" during the event.