By MATT PIKE
Missouri Western State University is continuing to move in a positive direction following the retirement of Elizabeth Kennedy, with interim President Patt Lilly leading the university.
Chair of the Board of Governors Bill Grimwood says following Kennedy's retirement, Lilly's name was brought to the boards attention as someone who could continue to push MoWest in the right direction.
"First word out of everyone's mouth was Patt Lilly might be available, let's go talk to him, he's a great leader, decades of accomplishments in the community, great relations with the political world, with the business world, and with the university as well," Grimwood says on the KFEQmunnity show. "So, we made a call to Patt and he picked up our phone call so we were happy about that."
Lilly took over as the interim President earlier this week, his first day on the job May 11th. Lilly says stepping into the role after being retired, felt like stepping back into something familiar.
"I've been involved with Missouri Western most of my career in St. Joseph, albeit in different roles, but coming back to the campus certainly have good support from the board of governors, but also being able to get to know the staff there, and certainly my familiarity with the university having spent 12 years on the board of governors in past years, as well as working closely in the positions I've had in the community with the president of the college and other," Lilly explains.
Grimwood says the goal with Lilly in position is to continue carrying the university in the direction that Kennedy had it going, while also laying the groundwork for a new university president.
With Lilly set to only hold the interim position, Grimwood adds a search for a new President will begin to get someone in place to find the right person to lead MoWest
"Someone that can carry our momentum forward with the strategic plan we have in place, somone that's trustworthy, resiliant , someone who can be authentic, and has great leadership, great communication skills, and is going to connect with the commnity," Grimwood explains.
Through the summer though, both Grimwood and Lilly will work to lay the groundwork for the new president, hoping to keep the positive momentum that MoWest is on.
Full Interview
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