Reimagine Task Force

The Reimagine Task Force evaluates the university's current structure, programs, and initiatives to ensure they are responsive, innovative, and aligned with institutional goals. The group will develop recommendations to strengthen the university's commitment to a campus culture that supports the success of all students, faculty, and staff.

Student success is a core value of Northwest Missouri State University. The university remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all students, particularly underserved students, have the resources and support needed to succeed.

The task force will:

1. Assess the former Office of Diversity and Inclusion's efforts. Review existing programs, policies, and resources that support underserved student populations and identify gaps in programming and efforts to ensure the presence of all students.
2. Engage Communities. Conduct listening sessions to gather student, faculty, and staff input on the priorities and needs.
3. Evaluate Structural and Operational Effectiveness—Assess how student support efforts can be sustainably integrated into university operations, finding opportunities to assist student success through collaboration across campus. This will include resources, programs, and initiatives that support all students.
4. Develop a Student-Centered Strategy. Ensure that recommendations address financial, academic, social, and cultural barriers to student success.

Task Force Members 

Dr. Jenni Wall (Mathematics)                                               Dr. Laura Kauzlarich (Business)

Dr. Jessica Gracey (Political Science)                                    Duane Havard (Staff Council) 

Dr. Rose Viau (Housing, Student Affairs)                               Dr. Stephanie Krauth (Accommodations)

Dr. Leslie Cuenca (Student Success)                                     Gail Cullen (Center for Teaching)

Krista Barcus (Human Resources)                                        Garrison Kennedy (Student Engagement)

Thomas Merlot (International Involvement Center)                Denise Neal (NAACP President Student)

Chloe Devries (Student Body President)                                Sheviah Sese (President of BSU)

Jessica Giles (SG Inclusion Committee)                                 Amaira Peterson (Student)

Maria Nini-Elliot (First-Year)

Task Force Meetings and Accomplishments

Feb. 28

The Task Force's first meeting, held on February 28, focused on establishing its purpose, outlining key priorities, and identifying initial steps in the reimagining process. Members reviewed the programs and services previously offered by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to assess strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. The task force members will research best practices from other institutions, examine existing programs and services offered by other Northwest departments, and meet to discuss ideas for the new office.  

March 21

The March 21 Task Force Meeting focused on analyzing collected data, refining the strategic direction, and preparing for community engagement. Members began by summarizing key findings from research on best practices, internal program assessments, and initial feedback, identifying significant themes to guide decision-making. The task force then evaluated whether to pivot, stay the course, or make adjustments based on alignment with institutional goals and stakeholder needs. In preparation for upcoming listening groups, the team developed key questions and assigned responsibilities to ensure meaningful engagement with students, faculty, and staff. The meeting concluded with final questions and takeaways, clarifying priorities for the next phase. The next meeting will focus on reviewing input from listening groups and refining recommendations for the office's future direction.

Listening Group Sessions

Reimagining Task Force will begin conducting listening sessions where participants can share their feedback to determine what changes or actions we need to take. The goal is to understand the opportunities and challenges surrounding the topic as community members perceive them, and the listening sessions are a tool to collect valuable information about people's understanding, ideas, and perspectives to make solid recommendations in the following steps. 

Student Sessions:

Wednesday, Apr. 2, at 2 p.m. in the Center for Global Engagement

Sunday, Apr. 6, at 6 p.m. in the Union Living Room

Tuesday, Apr. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Union Ballroom (Senate meeting)

Staff Sessions: 

Monday, April 7, at 11 a.m. -12 p.m. in the Owens Library, room 250

Tuesday, April 8, at 3 p.m.  – 4 p.m. in the Owens Library room 250

Faculty Sessions:

Monday, April 7, at 9-10:30 a.m. in the Owens Library, room 250

Tuesday, April 8, 1-2:30 p.m. in the Owens Library, room 250