Presidential Forums have low student participation from MWSU Campus Watch on Vimeo.

Of the 5,193 undergraduate students, only about 45 chose to attend the three open forums for the next university president.

“There was an average of about 15 students at each one,” Jesse Brown, student member of the board of regents, said, “I don’t think that most students understand the enormity of what is about to happen. We have not changed presidents in the past 14 years. I do not think the students understand the weight of their voice with the faculty administration. Students don’t think they’ll be heard, when in reality they will be heard. And administration takes deeply into consideration what students have to say.”

Presidential candidate Andrew Rogerson said he was pleased with the small turnout. He said at the other schools he’s been to that held open forums, only a max of two students showed up, as opposed to MSU’s 15.

“I’m upset about the low numbers, obviously,” Brown said, “But I am excited about the quality of questions that the students were present asked.”

Brown said he hoped more Greeks and student athletes showed up to the forums.

“We’re talking about building a new football stadium on campus. Depending on which president we go with what their views are for an on campus stadium will affect athletics. I wish they were more vocal and attended more things.”

The search committee narrowed the 53 candidates to three and met on March 9 to decide the finalist— Suzanne Shipley.

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Sole finalist for the presidency of MWSU, Suzanne Shipley, now president of Shepherd University, answers questions at a forum Feb. 24. Photo by Rachel Johnson.

After about a three-hour closed meeting, the Board of Regents chose Suzanne Shipley, president of Shepherd University, to become the next president of Midwestern State University after University President Jesse Rogers retires in August.

Michael Bernhardt, vice chairman of the Board of Regents, said increasing retention and enrollment as well as the future of the university Master Plan were major factors in considering the candidates.

“We felt like we had an honest discussion about it and, for lack of a better word, she floated to the top,” Berhardt said. “All three candidates had stellar credentials, but the board thought that she was the best one for the future of the university.”

Shipley said in a phone interview that most of her first year would be spent getting to know the community because “people need to trust you before you take them someplace new.”

“It’s really important to get to know the community and the university so that you’re not making assumptions that you haven’t really investigated well. Every university is different, so you need to take some time to study what you’ve read about and get to know the students,” Shipley said. “You can read about things that they say are important, but you need to actually see if the students think something is important and find out why.”

Shipley said she would need time to talk to and observe students to determine which programs are important to them.

“Only then would I feel qualified to address some of the things already in the plan,” Shipley said. “Plans for me aren’t things in drawers, they’re priorities and goals and hopes that you need to move on and realize.”

Rogers said he is happy with the choice and the community will be happy with it, too.

“There’s no doubt that they will accept Dr. Shipley with open arms,” Rogers said. “She’s been in important and difficult jobs, she’s at a university today that’s very much like Midwestern State University, and I don’t have any doubt that she is going to be a student and a faculty and a community president.”

Rogers said Shipley will make a smooth transition to her new job at MSU, partly because of how similar it is to Shepherd University.

“For one thing, she knows how it is to try to make the university work, to put a budget together, which is not always easy. You have to make some very difficult decisions about setting priorities and so forth, and I believe her priorities match up with Midwestern State’s priorities very well,” Rogers said.

David Carlston, assistant psychology professor and chair of the faculty senate, was a member of the presidential search advisory committee and said Shipley stood out from other applicants.

“The advisory committee thought highly of her,” Carlston said. “Looking at her vitae and experience, she stood out.”

Carlston said the president should focus on increasing finances, partly through addressing enrollment and retention.

“There’s a number of things the next president needs to tackle, many of which are financially related and a lot of that is based on enrollment,” Carlston said. “We need to understand what we offer academically and co-curricularly to help us stand out.”

Shipley said she agrees that a comprehensive look at the university’s identity could help increase retention and enrollment rates.

“When you look at the higher education marketplace, we need to stand out. You already have that identity, but unfortunately you have to to package it like a product, and education isn’t a product. It’s a marvelous experience, it changes your life, but you still have to “sell it” to others and convince them that it’s the right experience for them,” Shipley said. “I think we can come to that very quickly.”

Shipley is expected to be hired after a 21-day period set by a state law. According to the law, the Board of Regents must name the finalists for president at least 21 days before officially hiring her.

Upon being hired, Shipley will become the first female president of Midwestern State University, and the top three administrative positions—university president, provost and business officer—will be held by women.

“This university has, I believe, always made an effort to hire the most qualified person,” Rogers said. “It turns out in this particular case, the person that they selected is a woman.”

RELATED: Rogers’ replacement announced

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Our view: The presidential search process has been a whirlwind of events, and while there appears to be a break in action now that the Board of Regents have selected Suzanne Shipley, president of Shepherd University, as the sole finalist for the job, it is imperative to the university’s growth that we maintain the mindset of change established by the search.

Now that the honeymoon period of the search is drawing to a close, we need to not return to business as usual. A state law prevents Shipley from being officially hired until 21 days after the announcement that she was chosen. That law exists so university constituents have the opportunity to express concerns over the choice.

Use this time to make it clear that we as students, faculty, staff and community members don’t want to return to the status quo, regardless of who our next president may be.

The post Change is good appeared first on The Wichitan.

Suzanne Shipley, president elect for MSU, answers questions from reporters before her candidate forum Feb. 24. The Board of Regents officially hired her March 31 and moved her start date to Aug. 8.
Photo by Rachel Johnson.

In a short meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Board of Regents officially appointed Suzanne Shipley as the 11th university president. Student Regent Jesse Brown said the board also advanced Shipley’s start date to Aug. 8 this year.

“I’m excited,” Brown said after the meeting. “I know she’s going to do a fantastic job. The Shepherd University board does not want to let her go, so that means we’re definitely doing something right.”

After a short open meeting to approve the naming of a pavilion at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU, the board met in a closed executive session to vote on hiring Shipley and discuss her contract.

“They’ll just talk about the terms of the contract, when she would start and that type of thing. I don’t think a contract has been ironed out, so they’ll probably authorize to officially name her as president,” said Debbie Barrow, director of board and government relations. “My hope is that they will, within this timeframe between now and May, that they’ll be able to iron out the details of the contract. I don’t think it’s that we’re far off, it’s just that you have to go through her and then her people. You don’t rush these sorts of things.”

The board named Shipley the sole finalist for the presidency March 9 to abide by a state law requiring a 21-day period before finalizing the appointment.

“If there was a problem, if anyone had something they wanted the university or board to hear about, you had those 21 days to do your due diligence, but I’m confident that we had already done our due diligence,” Barrow said.

Shipley was in a board meeting of her own at Shepherd University during the executive session, but she issued a statement in a press release thanking the board and the community for their support.

“I so appreciate the confidence expressed in my leadership by the Midwestern State Board of Regents, the faculty, staff and students of Midwestern State University, and the Wichita Falls community. These are energizing times for all of us; we will use that creative energy to explore new pathways and chart new territory together,” Shipley said in the release.

Born in Lubbock, Shipley will return close to home when she starts the job in August, and Brown said her familiarity to the area was another reason the board chose her.

“She understands the history. She knows the area, she understands the prospective. That was a huge issue that we really liked,” Brown said. “She’s going to be fantastic fitting into the community. It just cuts down on the transition time if she’s from Texas. It’s been a few years, but it doesn’t leave you.”

Brown also said of the three candidates, Shipley struck him as the best president for students.

“I could tell that she genuinely cared about the student issues here. She didn’t understand them completely, but I can understand that,” Brown said. “She hasn’t been around enough.”

Brown said the Shipley won him over when she offered to invite select student groups to her house for dinner to discuss the needs of the student.

“She has already voiced to me that when she does get here and finally gets settled in, she’s going to bring SGA, athletics and some other main groups to specifically have dinner with her and figure out what needs to be fixed,” Brown said. “That is what sold me, that she’s willing to do that and get to know what the problems are and fix them.”

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Rogers was highest paid public employee in the city according to Times Record News Feb, 12, 2011

The university paid workers $29,979,809 in FY2012 according to an article in The Wichitan.

Incoming University President Suzanne Shipley, now president of Shephard University, answers questions at a forum Feb. 24. Photo by Rachel Johnson.

Members of the MSU Board of Regents approved a contract today for incoming University President Suzanne Shipley, paying her an annual salary of $310,000.

According to the Texas Tribune, retiring University President Jesse Rogers was making $239,004.

However, according to Julie Gaynor, director of marketing and public relations, Roger’s total annual salary with the inclusion of a deferred compensation package is $300,000. Gaynor said Shipley will not have a deferred compensation package.

University presidents at Tarleton State University and West Texas A&M University both make $280,000 according to the Tribune.

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Suzzane Shipley, former president of Shephard University, and new president at MSU, answers questions at a forum Feb. 14, 2015. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Welcome home to Midwestern State University. I am your new president, and I hope you are as thrilled as I am to join the MSU family. By the time you read this I should be settled into my office and ready to start an exciting new semester. My husband Randy Wadsworth and our cross-country-traveling dogs, Racer and Roxy, will also be out and about to see you all on campus.

This is such an exciting time at Midwestern State. You’ll notice there is a lot changing on campus – from the construction of a new residence hall and expanded food service options to new course offerings, and, as expected, many new students, staff and faculty. Change can bring about mixed emotions, and, like many of you, I am experiencing feelings of enthusiasm and trepidation as I step into this new role as your president. I hope that together we will be seeking the opportunities that change provides and building upon the strengths of an already thriving campus.

Students choose Midwestern State because they know they can learn here in a personal and meaningful way. The faculty will encourage you not only to listen and observe, but, more importantly, to engage. It is that engagement in your in classes, in organizations, and in campus life that will make these MSU years memorable and valuable. Certainly this individualized approach that faculty offers students is hard to come by at large and impersonal universities.

We are a COPLAC institution, that’s the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, an elite national group that Midwestern belongs to as the only member from Texas. Like our fellow COPLAC universities, we create opportunities for you to make lasting connections to your professors and to your fellow students. Those connections, whether with a mentor faculty member or a student working with you in class, will define your university experience. It is that intense student experience that we aim to create that will result in an outstanding learning environment for each of you.

I encourage you to take advantage of this personal approach to learning, and I look forward to getting to meet you on campus. When do we meet, let’s try to talk about your views concerning Midwestern State University. What are your ideas for this university as together we move forward? Together, we can embrace the changes of the new school year and build Midwestern State’s future.

Have a great semester, and go Mustangs.

Suzanne Shipley is President of Midwestern State University.

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Charlie Carr, athlectic director, and Suzanne Shipley, Midwestern State University president, throw up the “stang sign” while the band performs the alma mater during the end of Eastern New Mexico University vs. MSU game at AT&T Stadium, Sept. 19. Photo by Francisco Martinez

In her first six weeks as president, Suzanne Shipley has not had much time to sit still.

In between constant meetings with administrators, alumni and prospective donors, she is learning the MSU lifestyle and even building a social media presence in a town close to her roots.

“Everybody has been so nice to me, and it’s made it easier to adjust to the new campus,” she said. “Another thing that I like is the city of Wichita Falls. I like that my husband and I can go out and find somewhere to eat pretty quickly,” she added.

And the students have noticed her presence around campus, eating in the dining hall and attending events, from convocation to football games.

“Instead having the students come to her, she goes to the students,” said Megan Piehler, student regent and junior in mass communication.

To get to know the students, something she said she wasn’t able to do as much as she wanted to at her previous job, one of the first official events she held was a picnic at her home — the Sikes House — Aug. 31

“The picnic was a really neat thing. She walked right up and talked to us,” Piehler said.

Social media

She has also become involved through the use of social networks, including Twitter, @shipleysuzanne1.

“I’ve found that Twitter works as sort of a vehicle for connecting with students. I’ve learned how to tag other students, and how to post pictures as well,” Shipley said.

On her profile, she posts pictures with students, and tweets about her time here.

“She tries to get rid of the ‘president’ persona so that she can relate to the students,” Piehler said.

Shipley admitted that previously she wasn’t very interested in Twitter, saying that she felt it was a lot like her email.

“I’d have to read every post, and comment on them. When I found out that wasn’t the case, and learned about what it was, I couldn’t to join in,” she added.

In addition to using Twitter, Shipley uses short video clips – “Mustangs Minutes” — posted to the university’s website.

In her first post, she introduced herself to the community from inside her home.

In her second and third posts, she talked about the undergraduate research program. She talked to two undergraduates and two project managers about how the program works and what benefits that they required from it. Doing this, she was able to learn more about one of our most popular educational programs so that she can have an easier time completing her goals.

In her fourth post she walked around campus talking to students about the first week of school. Students got to see her outspoken personality. She toured the student center and interviewed six students, asking them about their first week of classes, helping her connect with some of the students while learning about the atmosphere of the campus.

Vision

English Assistant Professor Todd Giles said “I am very excited about Dr. Shipley’s vision for moving MSU further along the path of our liberal arts and sciences mission. Her hands-on approach to leadership and public support of our COPLAC (Council of Public Liberal Arts College) mission and the institution of a new first-year seminar are much needed and appreciated.”

Shipley, a former president of COPLAC, has helped that organization raise more than $25 million for the foundation and she wants to help MSU grow as well.

She said her plans for this campus are to expand its name in places like Fort Worth and to expand internationally including encouraging students from the Caribbean and Hispanic students, noting that one-fourth of incoming students are Hispanic.

“I am very fascinated with Caribbean students. They have a lot of stories, and they bring a lot of diversity to the campus.”

While she wants the school to get bigger, she said she doesn’t want it to be too big because size can be intimidating to incoming students.

“One of the many things that I want to do is to make this campus grow through the years. I want a gradual, but significant growth,” she said. 

She also talked about changing up the campus a little bit.

“I love the campus so far. I think we can add more on to it so that it would attract more students to come here,” she said.

She also wrote that there would be a lot of change on the campus, talking about the addition of a new residence hall as well as the new food services here.

“I like the new food services a lot,” said Becca Rhone, a special education junior. “Having these options made me actually want to get a meal plan this year.”

History

Shipley spent almost her entire life on a college campus. Her mother worked as a professor at Texas Tech, and she would bring her along with her from time to time. She even learned how to swim at the school’s public pool.

One thing that she said was that she always wanted to work at this campus.

“I’m from Texas, and ever since I started my career, I’ve never been back. When this opportunity came up, I jumped right at it, and I was so glad that they let me run,” she said.

Shipley attended Texas Tech in her college years, and earned both a bachelor’s, and master’s degree in German. She also participated in campus athletics and learned  the importance of being socially involved on campus. She began her academic career at the University of Cincinnati, where she worked as the director of the Honors Program. She worked at Arizona State and eventually at Northern Arizona University where she served as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, then headed to Maryland to be the president for Academic Affairs and the dean of faculty at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

In 2007, she became president of Shepherd University in West Virginia, where she spent seven years preparing students to make a dent in society with liberal arts concepts, hands-on experience and critical skills.

MORE INFORMATION

• Biography
• Resume
• Regents approve new president’s contract
• Board of Regents choose Shipley for president
• Dr. Suzanne Shipley announced as a finalist for MSU president position

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Before I committed to attend MSU, I went to a Mustangs Rally. There were seniors from across the country who were curious as to what MSU had to offer; however, I already had done my research about the university and was almost sure that I would attend MSU in the fall.

Instead, I was looking for faces more like mine at the rally. My parents and I were concerned about the diversity here on campus.

After I committed to MSU, I had to attend orientation, where I saw people from cultures across the globe and plenty from my own. Once the school year started, though, I felt more alone than I ever had, so in order to meet more people and escape the comfort of my dorm, I joined the Black Student Union. Two years later, I am the vice-president and am active on campus.

I first met University President Suzanne Shipley at the President’s Picnic in August. As people walked onto the yard of the President’s house, they were encouraged to help themselves to refreshments. While I was serving myself, I heard people introducing themselves to someone, but I didn’t know to whom they were talking. My friend was in line behind me, and I heard her speaking to someone. I turned around and was greeted by a smile and a button that said, “Talk to Me,” so I introduced myself as vice-president of the Black Student Union. When Shipley heard this, her face lit up and she said that we should talk sometime soon.

I was surprised to hear her invite me to speak with her at a later date. I also thought that maybe she just said it to be nice and that I would never see her again. But recently, I received a phone call from the president of the Black Student Union saying we had a meeting the next day with Shipley, as well as other black leaders on campus, to talk about the black student experience at MSU.

I was thrilled to be able to share my concerns with the president. There were four other officers from different organizations at the meeting, and we took turns sharing our stories about our experiences with discrimination on and off campus. Shipley carefully listened to our suggestions on how to unite the campus community and shared with us her own strategies. I watched as she took notes and offered to personally assist our organizations. She told us she wants her students to feel comfortable and to know their voices are being heard at the executive level. I personally thanked her for inviting us to speak with her and for listening to what we said.

I also noticed that she wore the “Talk to Me” button from the day we first met. I am comforted by the thought of our university president reaching out to her students and being willing to make changes so that we can feel safe and know our voices are being heard.

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Megan Piehler and Nancy Marks, members of the Board of Regents, put the ceremonial hood on Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

INAUGURATION OF Suzanne Shipley, Ph.D.

HER SPEECH | “Building Bridges to a Vibrant Future”

INAUGURATION STORIES

Times-Record-News | Shipley inaugurated as MSU’s 11th president
KFDX | Dr. Suzanne Shipley Inaugurated as MSU’s 11th President

THE PEOPLE

• Tobin McDuff | master of ceremonies, sports director, KFDX
• Craig Estes | Texas state senator, District 30
• James Frank | Texas state representative, District 69
• Glenn Barham | mayor, Wichita Falls
• Brig. General Patrick J. Doherty | commander, 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base
• Shawn Hessing | chair, Board of Regents
• David Carlston | chair, Faculty Senate
• Reagan Foster | chair, Staff Senate
• Jesse Brown | president, Student Government Association
• Lynette Watts | president, Alumni Association

PERFORMANCES

• “Homage” original composition by students Nahye Byun and Aaron Johnson
  • “It was our music project, and we didn’t expect that this was going to be really big,” Byun, piano performance sophomore, said. “Dr. Harvey asked us to play.”
  • “We didn’t expect that we would have to perform at something like this,” Johnson, piano performance sophomore, said.
• “Prenderó quell brunettino” performed by students Sharon Mucker and Lindy Wilson, accompanied by Martin Camacho, dean, College of Fine Arts
• “A Minute of News” performed by Gordon Hickman, assistant professor of music
• “MSU Alma Master” performed by the University Choir directed by Dale Heidebrecht
• Prelude, processional and recessional performed by the University Wind Ensemble directed by Matthew Luttrell

PAST STORIES

Board of Regents choose Shipley for president
Regents approve new president’s contract
Shipley outlines goals at first faculty/staff meeting
A new university president: first impressions go both ways

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Suzanne Shipley, university president, adresses the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

 

2015 Fall Graduation

607 Midwestern State University students graduated in the fall of 2015

[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradbefore3.jpg]990Kailey Tull, kinesiology, puts on Alexis Morton's, accounting, cap while waiting in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Kailey Tull, kinesiology, puts on Alexis Morton's, accounting, cap while waiting in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradbefore2.jpg]410Sean Estrada helps his wife, Laura Estrada, English, put on her cap and fix her bangs while in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Sean Estrada helps his wife, Laura Estrada, English, put on her cap and fix her bangs while in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_doggirl2.jpg]440Shannon Smith, fine arts, poses with Shadow, Shannon's dog, for a photo before the Commencement Ceremony in the MPEC, Dec. 12. Shadow is an Australian Shepard service dog being trained to help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Shannon Smith, fine arts, poses with Shadow, Shannon's dog, for a photo before the Commencement Ceremony in the MPEC, Dec. 12. Shadow is an Australian Shepard service dog being trained to help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradbefore1.jpg]430Graduates get a group photo together in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Graduates get a group photo together in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_shipley.jpg]430Suzanne Shipley, university president, welcomes the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez
Suzanne Shipley, university president, welcomes the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_guestspeaker.jpg]460Catherine Davis, MSU Alumna, gives advise to the graduates in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez
Catherine Davis, MSU Alumna, gives advise to the graduates in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_crowdwide.jpg]350Suzanne Shipley, university president, adresses the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez
Suzanne Shipley, university president, adresses the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradspeakers2.jpg]400Susan Harvey, department chair and associate professor of music education, recieves the Faculty Award and was given the plaque by David Carlston, psychology professor, during the Commencement Cermony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Susan Harvey, department chair and associate professor of music education, recieves the Faculty Award and was given the plaque by David Carlston, psychology professor, during the Commencement Cermony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_closing.jpg]360Betty Stewart, provost and vise president for academic affairs, congratulates the graduates and their family at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez
Betty Stewart, provost and vise president for academic affairs, congratulates the graduates and their family at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_walkingstage05.jpg]350Chirstopher Portillo, business administration, hugs Suzanne Shipley, university president, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez
Chirstopher Portillo, business administration, hugs Suzanne Shipley, university president, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_walkingstage03.jpg]400Suzanne Shipley, university president, congratulates Francisco Espinoza, applied arts and sciences, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015
Suzanne Shipley, university president, congratulates Francisco Espinoza, applied arts and sciences, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_doggirl.jpg]390Shannon Smith, fine arts, walks along the stage with her dog in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015
Shannon Smith, fine arts, walks along the stage with her dog in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradspeakers3.jpg]350Betty Stewart, vice president for acadmeic affairs and provost, gives the introductions at the Commencement Ceremony for August and Dececember graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Betty Stewart, vice president for acadmeic affairs and provost, gives the introductions at the Commencement Ceremony for August and Dececember graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_walkingstage02.jpg]270Suzanne Shipley, university president, congraduates Chimatara Nwabuko, nursing, as she walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez
Suzanne Shipley, university president, congraduates Chimatara Nwabuko, nursing, as she walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradreaction8.jpg]290Devin Williams, marketing, waves at the professors after receiving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. "[After getting my degree] I took a marketing postiion with Old Navy, and then just take it day by day and keep my options open," Williams said. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Devin Williams, marketing, waves at the professors after receiving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. "[After getting my degree] I took a marketing postiion with Old Navy, and then just take it day by day and keep my options open," Williams said. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradspeakers1.jpg]320President Suzanne Shipley gives the welcome speach at the Commencement Ceremony for Aug. and Dec. 2015 graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson
President Suzanne Shipley gives the welcome speach at the Commencement Ceremony for Aug. and Dec. 2015 graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradreaction7.jpg]310Francisco Espinoza, bachelor of applied arts and science, pounds his chest after waving to friends who were graduates as well int he Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Francisco Espinoza, bachelor of applied arts and science, pounds his chest after waving to friends who were graduates as well int he Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradreaction6.jpg]320Bernard Griffin Jr., criminal justice, acknowledges members in the audience, then started to dance and shake hands with other graduates in attendance in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Bernard Griffin Jr., criminal justice, acknowledges members in the audience, then started to dance and shake hands with other graduates in attendance in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradreaction5.jpg]380Emmi Wilson, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case so her mom in the audience could get a picture of her, in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Emmi Wilson, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case so her mom in the audience could get a picture of her, in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradreaction4.jpg]300Astri Burgos, nursing, hugs her professors as she heads back to her seat after recieving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Astri Burgos, nursing, hugs her professors as she heads back to her seat after recieving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_aftergrad2.jpg]310Megan Smith, social work, holds up her diploma case to her family after hugging the ASL translator for the Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Megan Smith, social work, holds up her diploma case to her family after hugging the ASL translator for the Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradreaction3.jpg]270Liberty Billingsley, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case to the audience to show it off, in the Kay Yeager Colisem, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Liberty Billingsley, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case to the audience to show it off, in the Kay Yeager Colisem, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradreaction2.jpg]320Rodney Holmes, excersize physiology, waves to his family members in the audience during the part in the ceremony where they have the graduates recognize their friends, family, professors, and people who helped them get to graduation day in Kay Yeager, Dec. 12. "I'm just feeling excitement, it's just crazy because O wamt tp say i'm the first on my dad's side of the family to finish this higher education," Holmes said. Photo by Rachel Johsnon
Rodney Holmes, excersize physiology, waves to his family members in the audience during the part in the ceremony where they have the graduates recognize their friends, family, professors, and people who helped them get to graduation day in Kay Yeager, Dec. 12. "I'm just feeling excitement, it's just crazy because O wamt tp say i'm the first on my dad's side of the family to finish this higher education," Holmes said. Photo by Rachel Johsnon[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_aftergrad4.jpg]370Aaliyah Tuitt, science, Anya Tuitt, Asha Tuitt, and Sequoyah Survia, take a selfie after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez
Aaliyah Tuitt, science, Anya Tuitt, Asha Tuitt, and Sequoyah Survia, take a selfie after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_aftergrad1.jpg]360Indira Placide, biology senior, and Krystal Basten, criminal justice junior, hold up a Sigma Lambda Alpha sign, so their two graduated sisters could find them after the ceremony, out side of the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Indira Placide, biology senior, and Krystal Basten, criminal justice junior, hold up a Sigma Lambda Alpha sign, so their two graduated sisters could find them after the ceremony, out side of the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_abijoy-manga.jpg]110Abijoy Manga got to celebrate graduation too. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Abijoy Manga got to celebrate graduation too. Photo by Bradley Wilson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_gradafter1.jpg]360Bernard Afutiti, criminal justice, takes a picture with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony of the August and December 2015 graduates, held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson
Bernard Afutiti, criminal justice, takes a picture with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony of the August and December 2015 graduates, held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson[img src=http://thewichitan.com/wp-content/flagallery/2015-fall-graduation/thumbs/thumbs_aftergrad.jpg]360Timothy Muongchanh, nursing, poses with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez
Timothy Muongchanh, nursing, poses with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Facts and Figures

Date | Dec. 12, 2015

Location | Kay Yeager Coliseum

Speaker | Catherine Davis, vice president of marketing for Neiman Marcus

Hardin Professor Award | Susan Harvey

Degrees

• Master’s |118
• Bachelor’s | 487
• Associate’s | 2
• TOTAL | 607 (including 174 August graduates)

BY COLLEGE

• Dillard College of Business Administration | 93
• Gordon T. and Ellen West College of Education | 103
• Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts | 22
• Robert D. and Carol C. Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services | 282
• Protho-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences | 39
• College of Science and Mathematics | 68

BY DEGREE

• Master’s degrees | 118
• Bachelor of Science | 52
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies | 25
• Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training | 1
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | 25
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology | 7
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 87
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences | 81
• Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care | 21
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science | 3
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | 4
• Bachelor of Business Administration | 80
• Bachelor of Arts | 41
• Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences | 38
• Bachelor of Social Work | 9
• Bachelor of Fine Arts | 10
• Bachelor of Music | 3
• Associate of Applied Science | 2

SOME THOUGHTS

• “It has taken me about eight years straight to receive my degree today,” Clayton Burgoon, radiological sciences, said. “I start grad school next month to be a radiologist physician assistant.”
• Samantha Reeder, chemistry, said, “I plan to use my degree in the industries of quality control and assurance. Since receiving my associates degree, it has taken me three years to earn my bachelor’s today.”
• “I began taking classes about 20 years, but put my degree on hold to have my family,” Melissa Witherspoon, nursing, said. “It’s taken me four years to finish my degree and I plan to work at United Regional as a registered nurse.”
• Crystal Hone, masters in business administration, said, “I moved to Wichita Falls to get my undergraduate degree and after taking six months off, I decided to stay to get my master’s. All together, it has been 10 years to finally finish schooling. I am working at Wells Fargo Bank in Austin in the retail banking department.”
• “I earned my master’s degree in training development through the online program,” Andy Hebert, masters in training development, said. “I work at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas as a clinical research team leader. I specifically do pediatric drug research and looking now to train and develop my team.”

MORE ON THE SPEAKER

Catherine Davis earned her bachelor of arts from MSU in 1989, majoring in mass communication with a minor in commercial art. She earned her master’s from the University of Oklahoma and in 1999 joined Neiman Marcus as director of brand Marketing where she developed online strategies to help the company enter the digital age.

In 2006, Davis received the NM Best award, Neiman Marcus’ most prestigious employee honor. She also has served as Direct Marketing Director for The Container Store and from 2012-2014 was Vice President of Marketing for Neiman Marcus’s Last Call Brand during a period of triple-digit Web growth and expansion.

While at MSU, she was Student Government Association president for two years, vice president of Chi Omega Fraternity, Lady Midwestern, Homecoming queen, Campus Watch news anchor and student ambassador. She received multiple awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. In 1999, Davis was named the Distinguished Alumna from the Fain College of Fine Arts.

Davis is a Wichita Falls native and a 1985 graduate of Rider High School. Her parents, Leland and Ruth Ann Allred, and brother Cullen Allred reside in Wichita Falls.

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Shawn Hessing, chairman of the Board, comments on the future concept plans of the campus at the Board of Regents meeting on Feb. 12. Photo by Kayla White.

At a two-day Board of Regents meeting and retreat on Feb. 11-12, University President Suzanne Shipley presented a concept for a strategic plan to get feedback coordinated by a committee of yet-to-be-determined members. 

“We want to start the committee with 20 priorities, give it to the campus and say, ‘Tell us what fits into those priorities for the next five years.’ That’s where people can put their hands up and say what they want to change,” Shipley said. “We’ll come up with objectives and plans for the university long term from those responses.”

The committee will be made up of about 12 members, including both undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. Betty Stewart, provost, will head the committee along with another academic, according to Shipley.

“Usually, we [Stewart and Shipley] go to Keith Lamb and ask him to help us select students for these kinds of committees. Sometimes we get them from the Senate, sometimes we get them from other areas, and other times we ask for volunteers,” Shipley said. “We’ll be putting that together within the next few weeks.”

Each of the 20 priorities falls under one of four rubrics: serving students, serving faculty and staff, serving the region, and serving academic programming. Shipley said that while there are many options for change, funding these options determines their priority.

“We saw a lot of options for the next five years, which may or may not happen based on funding,” Shipley said. “We could suddenly skip a step and go a different direction because somebody says, ‘I want to donate $40 million to do this.’ But you’ve got to have it in a plan before anybody knows how to fund it.”

Changes in directional vision from the previous campus plan caused controversy on campus because many believed the plans were set in stone. 

“What’s irritating to me about rumors is that no one is talking to the right people. There’s so much guesswork associated with these projects at early stages,” Shawn Hessing, Board of Regents chairman, said. “As projects come into the horizon, that’s when you’ll see the actual formal votes.”

Five projects have been voted on and approved by the Board, including the new 224-space parking lot, new recreational playing fields, the mass communication building extension, the new health sciences and human services building, and the new residence hall. 

“While those projects have been approved, none of the other long term plans have been yet,” Hessing said. “The Board feels really good about these five projects, because we do have some numbers associated with those.”

These provisional change decisions came from a combination of campus surveys, previous strategic plans, and personal recommendations, according to Shipley. 

“President (Jesse) Rogers had focused the cabinet’s previous strategic plan to about 10 goals before he left, which we took and put out a survey for students, faculty, and staff to take,” Shipley said. “Every president sees an institution through different eyes. What you’ll see in this plan is what I think we can do next. It’s not a criticism of what has been done before; you can’t do the next part well if the past hasn’t been done well. It’s just saying at this point in time, this is what needs to be done.”

The five projects do not include fee increases, but future plans might, according to Shipley. 

“The approved projects are all state-funded, so there won’t be any need for a fee increase,” Shipley said. “If we want a parking garage, the students will have to pay for it, so parking fees would go up fairly dramatically if it’s approved.”

After the usual meeting, the Board diverged by doing something different: a retreat.

“The retreat was something that Rogers had wanted to do, and Shipley wanted to do as well. The Board talked about a lot of things that didn’t necessarily need Board approval, but we definitely needed to be aware of,” Hessing said. “Conceptually, the difference is that we’re not voting. We’re just going through the process of getting information to the public.”

Shipley said the importance of having a retreat was to have more higher-level thinking than the typical Board meeting.

“A retreat is where you take time away from the everyday business and you talk about higher-level things that stretch into the future,” Shipley said. “At a Board meeting, you have all of these fairly rigid mechanisms, but the retreat was all about positioning Midwestern for the future. We could have a retreat on any topic, but it’s a limited topic within a limited amount of time where you’re not distracted by all of the business.”

Even though not every Board member always agrees with each other, their ultimate goal is to better the campus as a whole.

“There were some very differing opinions at that meeting, but we do our best. They’re a group that can disagree with each other and still walk out and be friends,” Shipley said. “They’re very interested in the good of the institution and they really care about the students.”

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Alumni Amber Reed and Dana Viavattene at the Empty Bowls charity event on Oct. 11. Photo by Izziel Latour

The fifth annual Empty Bowls event, held at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art, does more than just raise money for the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank.

Bob Barrow, artist and volunteer at the event, said, “It’s a great city event and it is going to help people.”

Forty  students and non students made clay bowls to give away to attendees who made a donation. Artists who enter bowls into the gallery can donate half or all of the money their pieces sell for. Those artists are also required to make three more bowls for a silent auction. A total of 1,050 bowls were displayed at the event.

“One in five people in Wichita Falls are food insecure,” Steve Hilton, associate professor of art and faculty resident at Legacy, said.

In past years, the event has raised anywhere from $65,000-$85,000, according to Empty Bowls Co-chair Tanya Gillen. 

“Some people don’t have the money to give, but they have the ability to make something and give their time,” Barrow said. 

But he thinks Empty Bowls does more than just raise money to feed people who are food insecure.

Barrow said, “It is neat to give people hope.”

But that hope isn’t just needed out in the community, it is needed on campus too.

Barrow said, “The thing is, when this is over, it continues on.”

Suzanne Shipley, university president, has recently discovered a new movement on other campuses.

Shipley said, “By contributing to Empty Bowls, our students were really ahead of a new movement on campuses, which is to feed the hungry, and that means hungry students as well. There is now a movement on college campuses to create a food pantry for students who need food to take home over the weekends.”

Hilton loves the idea, and has one of his own.

“One of the things I am thinking about doing is starting a garden somewhere on campus so that there are fresh vegetables that not only could we use for students but as a food source for the cafeteria,” Hilton said.

Shipley said she thinks hunger needs to be talked about more in the world, specifically on campus.

Shipley said, “I think it is really forward looking that our students have been contributing to this for a long time. It would be interesting to have a broader conversation about what hunger means, not only in the country and community, but on campuses.”

The post Empty Bowls are full of hope appeared first on The Wichitan.

The $641,000 budget shortfall in May presented administrators with a challenge to balance the budget for the 2018 fiscal year.

Marilyn Fowlé, vice president of administration and finance, said she and other administrators predicted a $1.2 million decrease, but in the last nights of legislative discussions, the Senate and House cut MSU’s budget by $1.75 million.

“We try to predict what we’re going to get from all different sources — housing and food services, tuition and fees and state appropriations — and we get those appropriations from the state every two years. We knew that they were going to cut our budget,” Fowlé said. “We spend a lot of time modeling how much money we were going to get, but we didn’t expect to lose that much.”

The budget is supposed to be put together by July 1, so this left the university with little time to find $641,000 for this fiscal year. Luckily enough, there was enough in savings from this fiscal year — which ends Aug. 31 — to tackle about half of the shortfall.

“We stopped spending right then and took half a million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget and front-loaded it to spend next year. We found the $1.2 million already for next year, because we budgeted for that, but we still need to find half a million dollars,” Suzanne Shipley, university president, said. “But that gives us two years to figure that out instead of just one, because that’s a lot of money to cut out of a budget at short notice.”

According to Shipley, about 25 percent of Texas universities got the maximum cut possible, including MSU. Fifty percent of universities had a 5-10 percent decrease, and the final 25 percent had either no decrease or even an increase in funds.

“It was not a very generous year for higher education. That was in part because in the last session, they gave us [MSU] all this capital funding — that’s how we’re going to be building the health sciences and human services building, the additions to Moffett Library — and they gave us individually about $54 million,” Shipley said. “So it’s not unusual to have a bad session after that, but we’ve got to get better.”

Part of this issue stems from the university’s lack of representation in the state, because the cities with bigger populations are more likely to have representatives in the state than those of smaller towns.

“They get behind closed doors and we have no idea what goes on in there. We don’t have any representation in the committee from this area, and a lot of times if a city has someone on the committee who is from there, that representative will look out for their home city,” Fowlé said. “We don’t have good representation, but that’s always been an issue.”

Both Shipley and Fowlé hope that the Flower Mound location will increase awareness of MSU and aid in the university’s representation.

“The whole outreach to Flower Mound can be really helpful, along with the brand extension to MSU Texas. It’s just so easy to remember the name MSU Texas,” Shipley said. “When you say Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, by the time you’ve said it all, they’ve decided you’re in Kansas.”

Fowlé agreed with Shipley.

“The student population from Wichita Falls area is declining, so most students are coming from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We’re competing with a lot of other schools and we’re not as well-known, so it’s an uphill battle — University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, Tarleton State University and others,” Fowlé said. “We hope the Flower Mound extension will help with recruitment.”

Another important piece of the budget is enrollment numbers. State allocations are based on semester credit hours and total enrollment, so MSU’s slow growth plays a role in the budget.

“Part of it was we didn’t do our part — we need to grow. There’s funding from many different sources, but the place we lost the most funding is a set pool of money that is an enrollment match,” Shipley said. “When everybody grows more than we grow, there’s less of the pie for us. If there’s $500 of [an enrollment] pie, everybody gets a piece, and whoever grows the most percentage gets the biggest piece — and we didn’t grow at all.”

Shipley said that they have increased the budget for marketing to help spread the word about MSU to more areas.

“We look at every single place we can grow and kind of kick it up a notch. Instead of being happy with moderate growth, we try to get more significant growth, and a lot of that is marketing,” Shipley said. “We’ve never put any money into marketing, so people haven’t heard of us except through word of mouth — which is the best way — but we have fairly significantly increased the funding in marketing.”

Fowlé said the enrollment budget prediction is 6,150 students.

“Enrollment plays a huge factor into the budget,” Fowlé said. “We budgeted conservatively just to be safe.”

She also said we have recruiters located in Dallas full-time to work in the metropolitan area, since about 1/3 of our students come from the DFW area.

“It’s really hard to grow your enrollment from a rural base. [DFW] is going to be our pocket for growth,” Shipley said. “It makes sense to go to Houston and San Antonio too, but it’s really DFW that’s going to make it happen for us.”

Alyvia Nichols, interdisciplinary studies, claps and looks to her people who are in the audience for her during the end part of commencement where the graduates shout-out and clap to the members in the audience who were there for them through their college experiences. Photo by Rachel Johnson

In an attempt to give future graduates a last farewell to the university, James Johnston, provost and vice president for academic affairs, has explored options to bring graduation back on campus.

While graduation is now being held downtown in Kay Yeager Coliseum is the current location of graduation, it has been held in D.L. Ligon Coliseum before. Johnston foresees that if graduation is moved back on campus, the coliseum is where it would be held.

Johnston said graduation marks a significant achievement in one’s lifetime.

“Beyond the piece of paper that says you’re a graduate of Midwestern State University, it forever changes you as a individual. You view the world differently, you interpret the world differently and it’s all giving you the tools to be successful with whatever you do in your life,” said Johnston. 

For a number of faculty and staff, they have worked with the graduating students for four, and sometimes more, years depending on when they started.

Johnston said, “It’s important that we bring closure to that working relationship for the students.”

Luke Draper, marketing senior, said graduation is one of the last impressions that students have of their university. It is where they have been putting in their hard work and dedication for the future to come.

“Goodbyes are pretty important. Just like after we end a chapter in our life, a proper goodbye is something that is really needed. Being on campus that one last time would make the ending of this chapter in life a lot more special because you’re on campus,” said Draper. “It would be nice to get what you’ve been working for on the ground that you’ve been working hard on.”

Johnston continued and depicted his vision for how future graduations could be held.

“My rough draft look at it would be to graduate right now while we have Ligon Coliseum,” said Johnston. “We would graduate half the colleges on a Friday evening with their faculty and then the other half on Saturday morning with their faculty so they could be with the students that they worked with.”

On top of moving graduation back to campus, Johnston along with Suzanne Shipley, university president, have talked about implementing a senior walk this spring.

“Basically, my thought is to gather all the graduating seniors here next to Hardin and walk them through each of the academic buildings and the faculty and staff will be there to congratulate the graduates as they walk through,” said Johnston.

OUR VIEW: City and campus officials have a vision for MSU to grow in retention and activity, and this will only work if students interact with the opportunities by engaging with the community through events and utilizing college-student targeted apartments.

To emphasize college prevalence in town, Mayor Stephen Santellana and Suzanne Shipley, university president, added campus banners throughout downtown to show the pride Wichita Falls has in Texas’ only public liberal arts university last spring, so instead of heading back to hometowns every weekend, students could explore one of the many antique shops that hold generations of treasures.

As opposed to watching another episode of Steven Universe, go see one of the community theater productions either at The Wichita Theatre or Backdoor Theatre. Community members of all ages are able to perform in the productions or are welcomed to sit in the audience wowed by the talent and excitement “Wichitans” have.

A community event is planned almost every weekend either to take on the Texoma’s Hellacious Obstacle Run or listen to Pixar music from local musicians, so there is always something to look forward to in Wichita Falls that is relatively inexpensive to attend. College students love food and anything with the word “free,” and many times these events offer just that, but students steer clear because they might seem “lame.”

Along with the engaging in activities on the weekend, new apartments are opening above The Highlander on Scott Street, right in the heart of downtown, which will allow students to live off campus in an area full of life while being less than 10 minutes away from campus.

Students complain about this sleepy town, but they are often too lazy to just look up events going on here. Instead of complaining about what Wichita Falls doesn’t have, students should look up and see what’s going on in the Falls.

See more of what’s going in in Wichita Falls here.

Suzzane Shipley, former president of Shephard University, and new president at MSU, answers questions at a forum Feb. 14, 2015. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Welcome home to Midwestern State University. I am your new president, and I hope you are as thrilled as I am to join the MSU family. By the time you read this I should be settled into my office and ready to start an exciting new semester. My husband Randy Wadsworth and our cross-country-traveling dogs, Racer and Roxy, will also be out and about to see you all on campus.

This is such an exciting time at Midwestern State. You’ll notice there is a lot changing on campus – from the construction of a new residence hall and expanded food service options to new course offerings, and, as expected, many new students, staff and faculty. Change can bring about mixed emotions, and, like many of you, I am experiencing feelings of enthusiasm and trepidation as I step into this new role as your president. I hope that together we will be seeking the opportunities that change provides and building upon the strengths of an already thriving campus.

Students choose Midwestern State because they know they can learn here in a personal and meaningful way. The faculty will encourage you not only to listen and observe, but, more importantly, to engage. It is that engagement in your in classes, in organizations, and in campus life that will make these MSU years memorable and valuable. Certainly this individualized approach that faculty offers students is hard to come by at large and impersonal universities.

We are a COPLAC institution, that’s the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, an elite national group that Midwestern belongs to as the only member from Texas. Like our fellow COPLAC universities, we create opportunities for you to make lasting connections to your professors and to your fellow students. Those connections, whether with a mentor faculty member or a student working with you in class, will define your university experience. It is that intense student experience that we aim to create that will result in an outstanding learning environment for each of you.

I encourage you to take advantage of this personal approach to learning, and I look forward to getting to meet you on campus. When do we meet, let’s try to talk about your views concerning Midwestern State University. What are your ideas for this university as together we move forward? Together, we can embrace the changes of the new school year and build Midwestern State’s future.

Have a great semester, and go Mustangs.

Suzanne Shipley is President of Midwestern State University.

Charlie Carr, athlectic director, and Suzanne Shipley, Midwestern State University president, throw up the “stang sign” while the band performs the alma mater during the end of Eastern New Mexico University vs. MSU game at AT&T Stadium, Sept. 19. Photo by Francisco Martinez

In her first six weeks as president, Suzanne Shipley has not had much time to sit still.

In between constant meetings with administrators, alumni and prospective donors, she is learning the MSU lifestyle and even building a social media presence in a town close to her roots.

“Everybody has been so nice to me, and it’s made it easier to adjust to the new campus,” she said. “Another thing that I like is the city of Wichita Falls. I like that my husband and I can go out and find somewhere to eat pretty quickly,” she added.

And the students have noticed her presence around campus, eating in the dining hall and attending events, from convocation to football games.

“Instead having the students come to her, she goes to the students,” said Megan Piehler, student regent and junior in mass communication.

To get to know the students, something she said she wasn’t able to do as much as she wanted to at her previous job, one of the first official events she held was a picnic at her home — the Sikes House — Aug. 31

“The picnic was a really neat thing. She walked right up and talked to us,” Piehler said.

Social media

She has also become involved through the use of social networks, including Twitter, @shipleysuzanne1.

“I’ve found that Twitter works as sort of a vehicle for connecting with students. I’ve learned how to tag other students, and how to post pictures as well,” Shipley said.

On her profile, she posts pictures with students, and tweets about her time here.

“She tries to get rid of the ‘president’ persona so that she can relate to the students,” Piehler said.

Shipley admitted that previously she wasn’t very interested in Twitter, saying that she felt it was a lot like her email.

“I’d have to read every post, and comment on them. When I found out that wasn’t the case, and learned about what it was, I couldn’t to join in,” she added.

In addition to using Twitter, Shipley uses short video clips – “Mustangs Minutes” — posted to the university’s website.

In her first post, she introduced herself to the community from inside her home.

In her second and third posts, she talked about the undergraduate research program. She talked to two undergraduates and two project managers about how the program works and what benefits that they required from it. Doing this, she was able to learn more about one of our most popular educational programs so that she can have an easier time completing her goals.

In her fourth post she walked around campus talking to students about the first week of school. Students got to see her outspoken personality. She toured the student center and interviewed six students, asking them about their first week of classes, helping her connect with some of the students while learning about the atmosphere of the campus.

Vision

English Assistant Professor Todd Giles said “I am very excited about Dr. Shipley’s vision for moving MSU further along the path of our liberal arts and sciences mission. Her hands-on approach to leadership and public support of our COPLAC (Council of Public Liberal Arts College) mission and the institution of a new first-year seminar are much needed and appreciated.”

Shipley, a former president of COPLAC, has helped that organization raise more than $25 million for the foundation and she wants to help MSU grow as well.

She said her plans for this campus are to expand its name in places like Fort Worth and to expand internationally including encouraging students from the Caribbean and Hispanic students, noting that one-fourth of incoming students are Hispanic.

“I am very fascinated with Caribbean students. They have a lot of stories, and they bring a lot of diversity to the campus.”

While she wants the school to get bigger, she said she doesn’t want it to be too big because size can be intimidating to incoming students.

“One of the many things that I want to do is to make this campus grow through the years. I want a gradual, but significant growth,” she said. 

She also talked about changing up the campus a little bit.

“I love the campus so far. I think we can add more on to it so that it would attract more students to come here,” she said.

She also wrote that there would be a lot of change on the campus, talking about the addition of a new residence hall as well as the new food services here.

“I like the new food services a lot,” said Becca Rhone, a special education junior. “Having these options made me actually want to get a meal plan this year.”

History

Shipley spent almost her entire life on a college campus. Her mother worked as a professor at Texas Tech, and she would bring her along with her from time to time. She even learned how to swim at the school’s public pool.

One thing that she said was that she always wanted to work at this campus.

“I’m from Texas, and ever since I started my career, I’ve never been back. When this opportunity came up, I jumped right at it, and I was so glad that they let me run,” she said.

Shipley attended Texas Tech in her college years, and earned both a bachelor’s, and master’s degree in German. She also participated in campus athletics and learned  the importance of being socially involved on campus. She began her academic career at the University of Cincinnati, where she worked as the director of the Honors Program. She worked at Arizona State and eventually at Northern Arizona University where she served as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, then headed to Maryland to be the president for Academic Affairs and the dean of faculty at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

In 2007, she became president of Shepherd University in West Virginia, where she spent seven years preparing students to make a dent in society with liberal arts concepts, hands-on experience and critical skills.

MORE INFORMATION

• Biography
• Resume
• Regents approve new president’s contract
• Board of Regents choose Shipley for president
• Dr. Suzanne Shipley announced as a finalist for MSU president position

Before I committed to attend MSU, I went to a Mustangs Rally. There were seniors from across the country who were curious as to what MSU had to offer; however, I already had done my research about the university and was almost sure that I would attend MSU in the fall.

Instead, I was looking for faces more like mine at the rally. My parents and I were concerned about the diversity here on campus.

After I committed to MSU, I had to attend orientation, where I saw people from cultures across the globe and plenty from my own. Once the school year started, though, I felt more alone than I ever had, so in order to meet more people and escape the comfort of my dorm, I joined the Black Student Union. Two years later, I am the vice-president and am active on campus.

I first met University President Suzanne Shipley at the President’s Picnic in August. As people walked onto the yard of the President’s house, they were encouraged to help themselves to refreshments. While I was serving myself, I heard people introducing themselves to someone, but I didn’t know to whom they were talking. My friend was in line behind me, and I heard her speaking to someone. I turned around and was greeted by a smile and a button that said, “Talk to Me,” so I introduced myself as vice-president of the Black Student Union. When Shipley heard this, her face lit up and she said that we should talk sometime soon.

I was surprised to hear her invite me to speak with her at a later date. I also thought that maybe she just said it to be nice and that I would never see her again. But recently, I received a phone call from the president of the Black Student Union saying we had a meeting the next day with Shipley, as well as other black leaders on campus, to talk about the black student experience at MSU.

I was thrilled to be able to share my concerns with the president. There were four other officers from different organizations at the meeting, and we took turns sharing our stories about our experiences with discrimination on and off campus. Shipley carefully listened to our suggestions on how to unite the campus community and shared with us her own strategies. I watched as she took notes and offered to personally assist our organizations. She told us she wants her students to feel comfortable and to know their voices are being heard at the executive level. I personally thanked her for inviting us to speak with her and for listening to what we said.

I also noticed that she wore the “Talk to Me” button from the day we first met. I am comforted by the thought of our university president reaching out to her students and being willing to make changes so that we can feel safe and know our voices are being heard.

Megan Piehler and Nancy Marks, members of the Board of Regents, put the ceremonial hood on Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Presidential inaguration

Suzanne Shipley was inaugurated as the 11th president of Midwestern State University Dec. 11, 2015.

Practicing the hooding at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Practicing the hooding at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Practicing the hooding at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Debbie L. Barrow and Nancy Marks at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Debbie L. Barrow and Nancy Marks at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Debbie L. Barrow and Nancy Marks at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Don Maxwell sings the Star Spangled Banner at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Don Maxwell sings the Star Spangled Banner at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Don Maxwell sings the Star Spangled Banner at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

After Sheppard Air Force Base honor guard performed the presentation of colors, Don Maxwell, music professor, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" to start off the Inaguartion of Suzanne Shipley, eleventh president, held in the Fain FIne Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

After Sheppard Air Force Base honor guard performed the presentation of colors, Don Maxwell, music professor, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" to start off the Inaguartion of Suzanne Shipley, eleventh president, held in the Fain FIne Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

After Sheppard Air Force Base honor guard performed the presentation of colors, Don Maxwell, music professor, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" to start off the Inaguartion of Suzanne Shipley, eleventh president, held in the Fain FIne Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Matt Luttrell directs the wind ensemble at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Matt Luttrell directs the wind ensemble at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Matt Luttrell directs the wind ensemble at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Tobin McDuff, sports director at KFDX3, welcome's the adiance and introduces guest speakers thoughtout Suzanne Shipley, university president, Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Tobin McDuff, sports director at KFDX3, welcome's the adiance and introduces guest speakers thoughtout Suzanne Shipley, university president, Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Tobin McDuff, sports director at KFDX3, welcome's the adiance and introduces guest speakers thoughtout Suzanne Shipley, university president, Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Texas State Senator Craig Estes at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Texas State Senator Craig Estes at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Texas State Senator Craig Estes at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Craig Estes, Texas state senator, hands Suzanne Shipley, university president, a gift at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Craig Estes, Texas state senator, hands Suzanne Shipley, university president, a gift at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Craig Estes, Texas state senator, hands Suzanne Shipley, university president, a gift at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Texas State Representative James Frank at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Texas State Representative James Frank at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Texas State Representative James Frank at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Texas State Representative James Frank at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Texas State Representative James Frank at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Texas State Representative James Frank at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Glen Barham, mayor of Wichita Falls, gives his greetings during the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Glen Barham, mayor of Wichita Falls, gives his greetings during the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Glen Barham, mayor of Wichita Falls, gives his greetings during the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Glen Barham, Mayor of Wichita Falls, shakes Suzanne Shipley, university president, hand after speaking at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Glen Barham, Mayor of Wichita Falls, shakes Suzanne Shipley, university president, hand after speaking at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Glen Barham, Mayor of Wichita Falls, shakes Suzanne Shipley, university president, hand after speaking at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Doherty is Commander, 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, gives a last minute speech as per request of President Suzanne Shipley at her inaguration, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Doherty is Commander, 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, gives a last minute speech as per request of President Suzanne Shipley at her inaguration, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Doherty is Commander, 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, gives a last minute speech as per request of President Suzanne Shipley at her inaguration, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Doherty is Commander, 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Doherty is Commander, 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Doherty is Commander, 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Wichita Falls Mayor Glenn Barhamm at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Wichita Falls Mayor Glenn Barhamm at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Wichita Falls Mayor Glenn Barhamm at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Lindy Wilson, vocal performance post grad, and Sharon Mucker, music education junior, perform "Prendero quell brunettino" from Cosi fan tutte by W.A. Mozart for the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Lindy Wilson, vocal performance post grad, and Sharon Mucker, music education junior, perform "Prendero quell brunettino" from Cosi fan tutte by W.A. Mozart for the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Lindy Wilson, vocal performance post grad, and Sharon Mucker, music education junior, perform "Prendero quell brunettino" from Cosi fan tutte by W.A. Mozart for the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Sharon Mucker and Lindy Wilson sing "Prendero quell brunettino" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Sharon Mucker and Lindy Wilson sing "Prendero quell brunettino" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Sharon Mucker and Lindy Wilson sing "Prendero quell brunettino" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Faculty Senate Chair David Carlston at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Faculty Senate Chair David Carlston at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Faculty Senate Chair David Carlston at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Student Body President Jesse Brown at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Student Body President Jesse Brown at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Student Body President Jesse Brown at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Jesse Brown, criminal justice senior, hugs Suzanne Shipley after his "Greetings from the students" speech about President Suzanne Shipley at the Inaguration of Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Jesse Brown, criminal justice senior, hugs Suzanne Shipley after his "Greetings from the students" speech about President Suzanne Shipley at the Inaguration of Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Jesse Brown, criminal justice senior, hugs Suzanne Shipley after his "Greetings from the students" speech about President Suzanne Shipley at the Inaguration of Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Lynette Watts, president of the MSU Alumni Association, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Lynette Watts, president of the MSU Alumni Association, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Lynette Watts, president of the MSU Alumni Association, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Nahey Byun, piano performance, and Aaron Johnson, piano performance sophomore, performed an original piece called "Homage" at the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Nahey Byun, piano performance, and Aaron Johnson, piano performance sophomore, performed an original piece called "Homage" at the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Nahey Byun, piano performance, and Aaron Johnson, piano performance sophomore, performed an original piece called "Homage" at the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Nahye Byun and Aaron Johnson perform an original composition, "Homage" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Nahye Byun and Aaron Johnson perform an original composition, "Homage" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Nahye Byun and Aaron Johnson perform an original composition, "Homage" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Shawn Hessing, chairman in the board of regents, congratulates Suzanne Shipley, university president, at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Shawn Hessing, chairman in the board of regents, congratulates Suzanne Shipley, university president, at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Shawn Hessing, chairman in the board of regents, congratulates Suzanne Shipley, university president, at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Megan Piehler and Nancy Marks, members of the Board of Regents, put the ceremonial hood on Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Megan Piehler and Nancy Marks, members of the Board of Regents, put the ceremonial hood on Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Megan Piehler and Nancy Marks, members of the Board of Regents, put the ceremonial hood on Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Shawn Hessing, chair of the Board of Regents, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Shawn Hessing, chair of the Board of Regents, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Shawn Hessing, chair of the Board of Regents, at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Megan Piehler and Nancy Marks, members of the Board of Regents, put the ceremonial hood on Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Megan Piehler and Nancy Marks, members of the Board of Regents, put the ceremonial hood on Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Megan Piehler and Nancy Marks, members of the Board of Regents, put the ceremonial hood on Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Gordon Hicken, assistant professor of music, performed "A Minute of News" by Eugene Novotney, as President Suzanne Shipley's "walk-in" song at the Inaguration of Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Gordon Hicken, assistant professor of music, performed "A Minute of News" by Eugene Novotney, as President Suzanne Shipley's "walk-in" song at the Inaguration of Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Gordon Hicken, assistant professor of music, performed "A Minute of News" by Eugene Novotney, as President Suzanne Shipley's "walk-in" song at the Inaguration of Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Gordon Hicken performs "A Minute of News" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Gordon Hicken performs "A Minute of News" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Gordon Hicken performs "A Minute of News" at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Audience members, and faculty, congratulate Suzanne Shipley, university president, before her presidential address at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Audience members, and faculty, congratulate Suzanne Shipley, university president, before her presidential address at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Audience members, and faculty, congratulate Suzanne Shipley, university president, before her presidential address at the Presidential Inauguration in Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, Dec, 11, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley gives her presidential address at the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. "We are building a strong foundation, one job at a time and one educated student at a time. I know working together we can do it," Shipley said. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Suzanne Shipley gives her presidential address at the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. "We are building a strong foundation, one job at a time and one educated student at a time. I know working together we can do it," Shipley said. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Suzanne Shipley gives her presidential address at the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. "We are building a strong foundation, one job at a time and one educated student at a time. I know working together we can do it," Shipley said. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Steel Drummers perform at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Steel Drummers perform at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Steel Drummers perform at the inauguration of Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

The University Choir performs the MSU Alma Mater at the end of the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

The University Choir performs the MSU Alma Mater at the end of the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

The University Choir performs the MSU Alma Mater at the end of the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

A time capsule given from the students to Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

A time capsule given from the students to Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

A time capsule given from the students to Suzanne Shipley, university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Mary Lassetter, administrative assistant for the office of residence life, gets food from the Holiday Luncheon held in CSC Comanche Suites after the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Mary Lassetter, administrative assistant for the office of residence life, gets food from the Holiday Luncheon held in CSC Comanche Suites after the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Mary Lassetter, administrative assistant for the office of residence life, gets food from the Holiday Luncheon held in CSC Comanche Suites after the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Suzanne Shipley greets people at the lunch following her inauguration as university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley greets people at the lunch following her inauguration as university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Suzanne Shipley greets people at the lunch following her inauguration as university president, Midwestern State University, Dec. 11, 2015. Photo by Bradley Wilson

The Caribbean Steel Pan performed a variety of musical numbers in the CSC Atrium during the Holiday Luncheon following the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

The Caribbean Steel Pan performed a variety of musical numbers in the CSC Atrium during the Holiday Luncheon following the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

The Caribbean Steel Pan performed a variety of musical numbers in the CSC Atrium during the Holiday Luncheon following the Inaguration of Suzanne Shipley, the eleventh president, held in Fain Fine Arts Auditorium, Dec. 11. Photo by Rachel Johnson

INAUGURATION OF Suzanne Shipley, Ph.D.

HER SPEECH | “Building Bridges to a Vibrant Future”

INAUGURATION STORIES

Times-Record-News | Shipley inaugurated as MSU’s 11th president
KFDX | Dr. Suzanne Shipley Inaugurated as MSU’s 11th President

THE PEOPLE

• Tobin McDuff | master of ceremonies, sports director, KFDX
• Craig Estes | Texas state senator, District 30
• James Frank | Texas state representative, District 69
• Glenn Barham | mayor, Wichita Falls
• Brig. General Patrick J. Doherty | commander, 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base
• Shawn Hessing | chair, Board of Regents
• David Carlston | chair, Faculty Senate
• Reagan Foster | chair, Staff Senate
• Jesse Brown | president, Student Government Association
• Lynette Watts | president, Alumni Association

PERFORMANCES

• “Homage” original composition by students Nahye Byun and Aaron Johnson
  • “It was our music project, and we didn’t expect that this was going to be really big,” Byun, piano performance sophomore, said. “Dr. Harvey asked us to play.”
  • “We didn’t expect that we would have to perform at something like this,” Johnson, piano performance sophomore, said.
• “Prenderó quell brunettino” performed by students Sharon Mucker and Lindy Wilson, accompanied by Martin Camacho, dean, College of Fine Arts
• “A Minute of News” performed by Gordon Hickman, assistant professor of music
• “MSU Alma Master” performed by the University Choir directed by Dale Heidebrecht
• Prelude, processional and recessional performed by the University Wind Ensemble directed by Matthew Luttrell

PAST STORIES

Board of Regents choose Shipley for president
Regents approve new president’s contract
Shipley outlines goals at first faculty/staff meeting
A new university president: first impressions go both ways

Suzanne Shipley, university president, adresses the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

 

2015 Fall Graduation

607 Midwestern State University students graduated in the fall of 2015

Kailey Tull, kinesiology, puts on Alexis Morton's, accounting, cap while waiting in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Kailey Tull, kinesiology, puts on Alexis Morton's, accounting, cap while waiting in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Kailey Tull, kinesiology, puts on Alexis Morton's, accounting, cap while waiting in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Sean Estrada helps his wife, Laura Estrada, English, put on her cap and fix her bangs while in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Sean Estrada helps his wife, Laura Estrada, English, put on her cap and fix her bangs while in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Sean Estrada helps his wife, Laura Estrada, English, put on her cap and fix her bangs while in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Shannon Smith, fine arts, poses with Shadow, Shannon's dog, for a photo before the Commencement Ceremony in the MPEC, Dec. 12. Shadow is an Australian Shepard service dog being trained to help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Shannon Smith, fine arts, poses with Shadow, Shannon's dog, for a photo before the Commencement Ceremony in the MPEC, Dec. 12. Shadow is an Australian Shepard service dog being trained to help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Shannon Smith, fine arts, poses with Shadow, Shannon's dog, for a photo before the Commencement Ceremony in the MPEC, Dec. 12. Shadow is an Australian Shepard service dog being trained to help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Graduates get a group photo together in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Graduates get a group photo together in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Graduates get a group photo together in the MPEC before Commencement Ceremony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, welcomes the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley, university president, welcomes the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley, university president, welcomes the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Catherine Davis, MSU Alumna, gives advise to the graduates in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Catherine Davis, MSU Alumna, gives advise to the graduates in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Catherine Davis, MSU Alumna, gives advise to the graduates in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley, university president, adresses the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley, university president, adresses the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley, university president, adresses the graduates and audience members at the Commemcement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Susan Harvey, department chair and associate professor of music education, recieves the Faculty Award and was given the plaque by David Carlston, psychology professor, during the Commencement Cermony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Susan Harvey, department chair and associate professor of music education, recieves the Faculty Award and was given the plaque by David Carlston, psychology professor, during the Commencement Cermony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Susan Harvey, department chair and associate professor of music education, recieves the Faculty Award and was given the plaque by David Carlston, psychology professor, during the Commencement Cermony held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Betty Stewart, provost and vise president for academic affairs, congratulates the graduates and their family at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Betty Stewart, provost and vise president for academic affairs, congratulates the graduates and their family at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Betty Stewart, provost and vise president for academic affairs, congratulates the graduates and their family at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Chirstopher Portillo, business administration, hugs Suzanne Shipley, university president, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Chirstopher Portillo, business administration, hugs Suzanne Shipley, university president, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Chirstopher Portillo, business administration, hugs Suzanne Shipley, university president, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley, university president, congratulates Francisco Espinoza, applied arts and sciences, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015

Suzanne Shipley, university president, congratulates Francisco Espinoza, applied arts and sciences, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015

Suzanne Shipley, university president, congratulates Francisco Espinoza, applied arts and sciences, as he walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015

Shannon Smith, fine arts, walks along the stage with her dog in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015

Shannon Smith, fine arts, walks along the stage with her dog in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015

Shannon Smith, fine arts, walks along the stage with her dog in the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015

Betty Stewart, vice president for acadmeic affairs and provost, gives the introductions at the Commencement Ceremony for August and Dececember graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Betty Stewart, vice president for acadmeic affairs and provost, gives the introductions at the Commencement Ceremony for August and Dececember graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Betty Stewart, vice president for acadmeic affairs and provost, gives the introductions at the Commencement Ceremony for August and Dececember graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Suzanne Shipley, university president, congraduates Chimatara Nwabuko, nursing, as she walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley, university president, congraduates Chimatara Nwabuko, nursing, as she walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Suzanne Shipley, university president, congraduates Chimatara Nwabuko, nursing, as she walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Devin Williams, marketing, waves at the professors after receiving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. "[After getting my degree] I took a marketing postiion with Old Navy, and then just take it day by day and keep my options open," Williams said. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Devin Williams, marketing, waves at the professors after receiving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. "[After getting my degree] I took a marketing postiion with Old Navy, and then just take it day by day and keep my options open," Williams said. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Devin Williams, marketing, waves at the professors after receiving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. "[After getting my degree] I took a marketing postiion with Old Navy, and then just take it day by day and keep my options open," Williams said. Photo by Rachel Johnson

President Suzanne Shipley gives the welcome speach at the Commencement Ceremony for Aug. and Dec. 2015 graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

President Suzanne Shipley gives the welcome speach at the Commencement Ceremony for Aug. and Dec. 2015 graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

President Suzanne Shipley gives the welcome speach at the Commencement Ceremony for Aug. and Dec. 2015 graduates held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12, where 440 graduates crossed the stage. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Francisco Espinoza, bachelor of applied arts and science, pounds his chest after waving to friends who were graduates as well int he Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Francisco Espinoza, bachelor of applied arts and science, pounds his chest after waving to friends who were graduates as well int he Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Francisco Espinoza, bachelor of applied arts and science, pounds his chest after waving to friends who were graduates as well int he Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Bernard Griffin Jr., criminal justice, acknowledges members in the audience, then started to dance and shake hands with other graduates in attendance in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Bernard Griffin Jr., criminal justice, acknowledges members in the audience, then started to dance and shake hands with other graduates in attendance in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Bernard Griffin Jr., criminal justice, acknowledges members in the audience, then started to dance and shake hands with other graduates in attendance in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Emmi Wilson, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case so her mom in the audience could get a picture of her, in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Emmi Wilson, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case so her mom in the audience could get a picture of her, in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Emmi Wilson, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case so her mom in the audience could get a picture of her, in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Astri Burgos, nursing, hugs her professors as she heads back to her seat after recieving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Astri Burgos, nursing, hugs her professors as she heads back to her seat after recieving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Astri Burgos, nursing, hugs her professors as she heads back to her seat after recieving her diploma case in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Megan Smith, social work, holds up her diploma case to her family after hugging the ASL translator for the Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Megan Smith, social work, holds up her diploma case to her family after hugging the ASL translator for the Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Megan Smith, social work, holds up her diploma case to her family after hugging the ASL translator for the Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Liberty Billingsley, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case to the audience to show it off, in the Kay Yeager Colisem, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Liberty Billingsley, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case to the audience to show it off, in the Kay Yeager Colisem, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Liberty Billingsley, criminal justice, holds up her diploma case to the audience to show it off, in the Kay Yeager Colisem, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Rodney Holmes, excersize physiology, waves to his family members in the audience during the part in the ceremony where they have the graduates recognize their friends, family, professors, and people who helped them get to graduation day in Kay Yeager, Dec. 12. "I'm just feeling excitement, it's just crazy because O wamt tp say i'm the first on my dad's side of the family to finish this higher education," Holmes said. Photo by Rachel Johsnon

Rodney Holmes, excersize physiology, waves to his family members in the audience during the part in the ceremony where they have the graduates recognize their friends, family, professors, and people who helped them get to graduation day in Kay Yeager, Dec. 12. "I'm just feeling excitement, it's just crazy because O wamt tp say i'm the first on my dad's side of the family to finish this higher education," Holmes said. Photo by Rachel Johsnon

Rodney Holmes, excersize physiology, waves to his family members in the audience during the part in the ceremony where they have the graduates recognize their friends, family, professors, and people who helped them get to graduation day in Kay Yeager, Dec. 12. "I'm just feeling excitement, it's just crazy because O wamt tp say i'm the first on my dad's side of the family to finish this higher education," Holmes said. Photo by Rachel Johsnon

Aaliyah Tuitt, science, Anya Tuitt, Asha Tuitt, and Sequoyah Survia, take a selfie after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Aaliyah Tuitt, science, Anya Tuitt, Asha Tuitt, and Sequoyah Survia, take a selfie after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Aaliyah Tuitt, science, Anya Tuitt, Asha Tuitt, and Sequoyah Survia, take a selfie after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Indira Placide, biology senior, and Krystal Basten, criminal justice junior, hold up a Sigma Lambda Alpha sign, so their two graduated sisters could find them after the ceremony, out side of the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Indira Placide, biology senior, and Krystal Basten, criminal justice junior, hold up a Sigma Lambda Alpha sign, so their two graduated sisters could find them after the ceremony, out side of the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Indira Placide, biology senior, and Krystal Basten, criminal justice junior, hold up a Sigma Lambda Alpha sign, so their two graduated sisters could find them after the ceremony, out side of the Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Abijoy Manga got to celebrate graduation too. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Abijoy Manga got to celebrate graduation too. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Abijoy Manga got to celebrate graduation too. Photo by Bradley Wilson

Bernard Afutiti, criminal justice, takes a picture with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony of the August and December 2015 graduates, held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Bernard Afutiti, criminal justice, takes a picture with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony of the August and December 2015 graduates, held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Bernard Afutiti, criminal justice, takes a picture with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony of the August and December 2015 graduates, held in Kay Yeager Coliseum, Dec. 12. Photo by Rachel Johnson

Timothy Muongchanh, nursing, poses with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Timothy Muongchanh, nursing, poses with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Timothy Muongchanh, nursing, poses with his family and friends after the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. Photo by Francisco Martinez

Facts and Figures

Date | Dec. 12, 2015 Location | Kay Yeager Coliseum Speaker | Catherine Davis, vice president of marketing for Neiman Marcus Hardin Professor Award | Susan Harvey Degrees

• Master’s |118
• Bachelor’s | 487
• Associate’s | 2
• TOTAL | 607 (including 174 August graduates)

BY COLLEGE

• Dillard College of Business Administration | 93
• Gordon T. and Ellen West College of Education | 103
• Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts | 22
• Robert D. and Carol C. Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services | 282
• Protho-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences | 39
• College of Science and Mathematics | 68

BY DEGREE

• Master’s degrees | 118
• Bachelor of Science | 52
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies | 25
• Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training | 1
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | 25
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology | 7
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 87
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences | 81
• Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care | 21
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science | 3
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | 4
• Bachelor of Business Administration | 80
• Bachelor of Arts | 41
• Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences | 38
• Bachelor of Social Work | 9
• Bachelor of Fine Arts | 10
• Bachelor of Music | 3
• Associate of Applied Science | 2

SOME THOUGHTS

• “It has taken me about eight years straight to receive my degree today,” Clayton Burgoon, radiological sciences, said. “I start grad school next month to be a radiologist physician assistant.”
• Samantha Reeder, chemistry, said, “I plan to use my degree in the industries of quality control and assurance. Since receiving my associates degree, it has taken me three years to earn my bachelor’s today.”
• “I began taking classes about 20 years, but put my degree on hold to have my family,” Melissa Witherspoon, nursing, said. “It’s taken me four years to finish my degree and I plan to work at United Regional as a registered nurse.”
• Crystal Hone, masters in business administration, said, “I moved to Wichita Falls to get my undergraduate degree and after taking six months off, I decided to stay to get my master’s. All together, it has been 10 years to finally finish schooling. I am working at Wells Fargo Bank in Austin in the retail banking department.”
• “I earned my master’s degree in training development through the online program,” Andy Hebert, masters in training development, said. “I work at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas as a clinical research team leader. I specifically do pediatric drug research and looking now to train and develop my team.”

MORE ON THE SPEAKER Catherine Davis earned her bachelor of arts from MSU in 1989, majoring in mass communication with a minor in commercial art. She earned her master’s from the University of Oklahoma and in 1999 joined Neiman Marcus as director of brand Marketing where she developed online strategies to help the company enter the digital age. In 2006, Davis received the NM Best award, Neiman Marcus’ most prestigious employee honor. She also has served as Direct Marketing Director for The Container Store and from 2012-2014 was Vice President of Marketing for Neiman Marcus’s Last Call Brand during a period of triple-digit Web growth and expansion. While at MSU, she was Student Government Association president for two years, vice president of Chi Omega Fraternity, Lady Midwestern, Homecoming queen, Campus Watch news anchor and student ambassador. She received multiple awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. In 1999, Davis was named the Distinguished Alumna from the Fain College of Fine Arts. Davis is a Wichita Falls native and a 1985 graduate of Rider High School. Her parents, Leland and Ruth Ann Allred, and brother Cullen Allred reside in Wichita Falls.