Regents authorize roofing projects, receive diversity report

The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents during its regular session Thursday authorized the University to move forward on state-funded roof projects not to exceed $2 million.

The Board decision stemmed from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s Jan. 6 release of $68 million in federal funding for deferred maintenance projects at public higher education institutions. Northwest will receive about $2.8 million of those funds and will use 71 percent of their allocation to replace roofing on the Garrett-Strong Science Building, Martindale Hall and Colden Hall.

Regents voted unanimously to authorize Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski and Vice President of Finance and Administration Stacy Carrick to award a contract to a successful bidder on the roofing project.

The University intends to use its remaining funding allocation for projects that include masonry repairs, HVAC improvements and water valve replacements.

Additionally, Northwest will remove a water tower located west of Garrett-Strong. Completed in 1967 to serve the University’s high-rise residence halls, the University has determined the structure is beyond its usefulness and a safety hazard.

The state-funded deferred maintenance projects have a projected completion date of October 2021.

In other business, Associate Provost of Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Justin Mallett reviewed Northwest’s Diversity and Inclusion 2020 Mid-Year Report. The report outlines Northwest’s actions through the fall semester to enhance and address issues of race and overall diversity and inclusion on the campus as well as in the Maryville community. The report describes the University’s adoption of an inclusive excellence framework that infuses concepts of diversity and inclusion throughout the University’s infrastructure.

Mallett also described for Regents the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s collaboration with businesses and organizations in the city of Maryville to help build a more inclusive community. He emphasized the need for more resources that enhance the quality of life in Maryville for underrepresented students.

Regents also approved the appointments of 12 adjunct faculty to teach at Northwest during the spring 2021 semester.

The Board of Regents is responsible for sound resource management of the University and determining general, educational and financial policies.