MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – Longtime educator Pam Tate, Mountain Grove, is the new coordinator of the Missouri State University-West Plains Mountain Grove campus, 401 E. 17th St., just west of the First Baptist Church.

Tate replaces Lu Adams, Cabool, who retired in mid-March.

In addition, Ralph Jenkins, Mountain Grove, is the campus’ new assistant coordinator.

Tate spent 29 years teaching and counseling in the Mountain Grove, Norwood, Licking, Columbia and West Plains public school districts. She has worked for Missouri State-West Plains as a student adviser for the past five years and did career counseling for South Central Career Center in West Plains.

“We’re a small, caring learning community,” Tate said, adding that one of her main goals is to retain the same comfortable, supportive atmosphere for students. “We want to be a stepping stone to their future, to their dreams.”

Jenkins held supervisory and career guidance positions during a 13-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a platoon sergeant and recruiter. He has worked in information technology at the Mountain Grove campus and is pursuing a four-year degree in computer information systems at Missouri State University in Springfield.

Jenkins will help Tate with student advising, information technology processes for students and staff, and student recruitment and community outreach.

“The campuses at West Plains and Mountain Grove both provide a quality education close to home that’s affordable and attainable,” he said, and that’s the message he plans to deliver wherever he can.

For information on classes available at Missouri State-West Plains’ campuses in Mountain Grove and West Plains, visit the website or call 417-547-7575.