Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Enrollment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
University reports recruiting gains, expands workforce training programs
Summary
Missouri Western reported early enrollment gains, an expanded marketing push and new workforce training cohorts; leaders said early‑admit strategies and employer partnerships are raising inquiries, applications and summer credit production.
Missouri Western State University officials told the Board of Governors they have seen early signs of recruiting momentum and are expanding workforce training partnerships to better align programs with regional employer needs.
Dr. Andy Otto, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, said the university opened fall classes with about 499 first‑year students — well above an earlier 400‑student projection — and reported 201 incoming transfer students. Otto said inquiries were up roughly 39% and applications about 60% as of Aug. 26, and that targeted marketing (expanding Google ad groups and custom tracking) and earlier admissions windows are driving improved early commitments.
Rebecca Avina, director of workforce development, described the center’s early‑stage activity since her April start: 57 individuals trained to date and about $33,000 in contract revenue after an agreement with a local employer; recurring cohorts for CNC machining, a leadership series and planned credential offerings such as certified production technician and home health aide cohorts; and pending grant and customized training opportunities with local manufacturers. Avina said programming was developed after meeting more than 50 regional employers and funders and emphasized employer‑aligned, often hybrid, models that combine online content with hands‑on lab time.
Board members and cabinet speakers linked the enrollment and workforce efforts to the strategic plan priorities discussed earlier, emphasizing measurable targets for retention and degree completion and the need to track conversion and return on investment for marketing and employer partnerships.
No formal board vote was required for these informational reports.
