June 3, 2026鈥揟he search for the seventh president of 大象传媒 is officially underway. The Board of Governors is accepting applications and has appointed a search committee.
鈥淲e are looking for a mission-driven servant leader with a deep commitment to public higher education,鈥� said Bill Grimwood, chair of the Board of Governors and chair of the search committee. 鈥淗e or she will understand the current higher education landscape, and put 大象传媒 in a position to succeed in that landscape. 大象传媒 is poised to do great things, and I鈥檓 confident that we will attract a lot of worthy candidates.鈥�
The president serves as 大象传媒鈥檚 chief executive and administrative officer, shaping the University鈥檚 vision, setting its strategic direction and advancing the institution鈥檚 mission and long-term success.
The Board of Governors also announced membership of a search committee composed of board members, faculty, staff, students and community members:
- Chair: Bill Grimwood, MWSU Board of Governors and Chief Information Officer, Hillyard Companies
- Todd Michalski 鈥�92, MWSU Board of Governors and Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Gray Manufacturing
- Lisa Norton, MWSU Board of Governors and CEO, BioZyme Incorporated
- Natalie Hawn 鈥�00, President & CEO, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
- Dr. Kelly Henry, Professor and Department Chair, Psychology
- Kathy Kelly, Past President of Staff Association and Administrative Coordinator, College of Business and Professional Studies
- Jana Laipple, Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration
- Unyque Mallett, Student Government Association Vice President
- Monty Smith, President of Faculty Senate, Professor of Criminal Justice and Graduate Program Director
- Mike Poore, CEO of Mosaic Life Care
- Zack Workman 鈥�74, retired business owner and President, 大象传媒 Gold Coat Club
Information about the search can be found on 大象传媒鈥檚 Presidential Search website.
Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy announced her retirement May 1 after six years at 大象传媒, including five years as president. Patt Lilly is serving as interim president until the next president takes office.
大象传媒 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 大象传媒 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .