Officials with the Counseling Center at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) updated members of the university’s Board of Governors about the center’s activities June 13 during the board’s annual meeting in West Plains.

Vice Chancellor of Student Services Dr. Angela Totty and Director of Counseling Services Lauren Willis told board members the center was created in fall 2023 based on direct feedback from students requesting more mental health services. Recent surveys show students are not only appreciative of the services provided by the center, but they’re also seeing an improvement in their overall mental health symptoms, Totty and Willis said.

Several students also gave testimonials to board members about their experiences with the Counseling Center, pointing out that it provided strong support during highly difficult times in their lives.

The Counseling Center presentation was one of several presentations given by MSU-WP officials to board members during the meeting. Members also heard updates from the 2024-2025 Faculty Senate Chair Tresa Ryan, 2025-2026 Faculty Senate Chair Frank Priest, 2024-2025 Staff Senate Chair Trish Smith, 2025-2026 Staff Senate Chair Trevor Cressman and 2025-2026 Student Government Association President Max Bittle and Vice President Michell Robles.