Missouri State University students voice what they want in a new president; Meet the candidates begins Thursday

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Missouri State University students are voicing their opinions on what they want to see in a new president.

Thursday is the first opportunity students have to meet with presidential finalists, but there are more forums throughout this month. You can meet the finalists and ask them questions at each of these forums throughout February. The open forums will happen from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Plaster Student Union Theater.

According to MSU’s website, the three presidential finalists are Dr. John Jasinski, Dr. Roger Thompson, and Dr. Richard Williams. Here are the forum dates you should know about:

• Williams on Thursday, Feb. 15
• Jasinski on Tuesday, Feb. 27
• Thompson on Thursday, Feb. 29

MSU student Emma Robb said she wants the new president to focus on implementing more security measures around campus.

“Since this is a pretty big campus, I know a lot of people feel that when they walk from their classes at night or to and from their dorms, a lot of students would like that extra security measure. Right now, we do have a little bit of campus security, but I wouldn’t say it’s a lot. I would say we need some more given that we’ve grown as a campus, so I think that’s something a president could address,” Robb said.

Another MSU student, Brody Light, said he wants to see more improvements in security, too.

“I know that bike theft is a really big problem in Springfield in general. I know we don’t have cameras in a lot of the dorms in the lobbies, and we don’t have cameras on a lot of the doors, so safety would be one big thing I’d like to see an improvement on,” Light said.

We also contacted Missouri State leaders to get comment on students’ safety concerns. The MSU University Safety Director, David Hall, sent the statement below:

“Safety on campus is always a concern to the university. In today’s environment it is more complex than ever. There are many actions the university takes to address those complexities, including having broad camera coverage that is monitored 24 hours daily and the continual addition of more cameras. We are also in the process of upgrading the system to give it greater capabilities. Likewise, we work to improve lighting on campus, increase security systems in building and campus design, training of students and employees, and having a Springfield Police Department substation on campus. We have and will continue to work closely with student and employee groups to address their specific concerns,” Hall said.

All three presidential finalists are white men. We also asked students if they wanted more diversity in the new president.

“I personally don’t care what the person looks like, sounds like, talks like. I care more about their qualities as a leader but diversity is never a bad thing. Getting to see more representation is always a benefit,” Light said.

There are open forum dates for the West Plains campus as well. You can find that information on the university’s website.

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