WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Officials at Missouri State University, especially the West Plains campus, paid tribute to outgoing Missouri State University Board of Governors member Mary Sheid, West Plains, during a recent luncheon in West Plains.
Sheid, whose term on the university’s governing board ended Nov. 1 when her successor was appointed, was given a replica of the Missouri State-West Plains bronze grizzly statue as a token of appreciation by Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett in recognition of her outstanding service to the students of Missouri State-West Plains and the campus’ seven-county primary service area. She also received a framed resolution from the Faculty Senate of the West Plains campus thanking her for her support during her tenure on the board. The resolution was unanimously approved by members of the group.
“Mary Sheid has been invaluable to me as a supporter of the West Plains campus,” Bennett said. “She has been a very visible presence on campus, attending numerous activities and special events, and as a member of the Board of Governors for Missouri State University, she has gone above and beyond what is expected and has freely given her time and energy toward improving our campus and the entire system. Mary Sheid has definitely left her mark on the Missouri State University System for years to come.”
Sheid served on the board during a time of tremendous growth at Missouri State-West Plains. Since her appointment in 2002, she has seen the campus’ student population increase 24.5 percent, its budget increase 24 percent and the amount of its private giving totaled more than $5.9 million, due, in part, to her efforts on the board. She also has seen the campus set a new all-time enrollment record of 2,229 in fall 2010, a new all-time graduation record in May 2011 when 302 students received degrees, and the largest number of student transfers into Springfield degree programs this fall when 145 elected to take classes at the main campus and through the university’s local outreach programs.
During her tenure, the campus celebrated its 40th anniversary; established the Shannon Hall educational facility for Missouri State-West Plains’ Mountain Grove campus and furthered the development of the educational program in Dalian, China; installed and dedicated the grizzly statue between Looney Hall and the Garnett Library and the Smith-London Centennial Bell Tower just west of Lybyer Technology Center; opened a newly renovated allied health building with a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory and a specially-equipped classroom made possible with a generous donation from Sheid and the staff at Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic; and built a new student recreation center that also will serve as a shelter for the campus and community during inclement weather.
Just recently, university officials announced a major gift commitment that will enable Missouri State University to complete its No. 1 capital priority – renovation of Gohn Hall on the West Plains campus. When completed, the new facility will house the bachelor’s and master’s completion programs offered locally through Missouri State University’s Outreach program.
In addition, it was during Sheid’s tenure that Missouri State-West Plains was selected as one of the top 120 two-year colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute Community College Excellence Program. With 1,200 two-year colleges in the nation, the designation announced last spring placed Missouri State-West Plains among the top 10 percent of two-year schools.
Among other campus accomplishments during Sheid’s tenure were a 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission; establishment of the William and Virginia Darr Honors Program, the Corps of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment, the Wendell Bailey Endowment for Entrepreneurship, and the Donna Jones Endowed Professorship of Nursing; recognition by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For”; and the receipt of several substantial grants, including funds from the Title III, College Access Challenge and TRiO programs.
Sheid also has been a leader among her peers and colleagues in showing her financial support for Missouri State-West Plains. She is a charter member of the Philanthropic Women for Education group; a key supporter of and contributor to the Annual Fund, having hosted the first Annual Fund social event at her home; and a sponsor of numerous Grizzly Basketball and Volleyball tournaments and games. She also has established numerous scholarships in honor of friends and family and assisted with the establishment of several more during her tenure on the board.
“Governor Sheid has much to be proud of during her decade on the board,” said Missouri State Interim President Clif Smart. “She can conclude her service knowing that the Missouri State University System is better today than it was when she joined the board. All of us are grateful for her contributions.”
HONORING MARY SHEID – Several Missouri State University administrators, faculty, staff and West Plains community members honored Mary Sheid for her nine years of service on the university’s Board of Governors during a special luncheon Wednesday at Café 37. In the top photo, Sheid recieves a replica of the bronze grizzly statue standing between Looney Hall and the Garnett Library from Missouri State University Interim President Clif Smart, left, and Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett. Below, she receives the Faculty Senate’s framed resolution from Professor of Political Science Dr. Kathy Morrison, right. (Missouri State-West Plains Photos)