Missouri State University is under the general control and management of the Board of Governors, which according to statutes of the state of Missouri possesses full power and authority to adopt all needful rules and regulations for the guidance and supervision of the University.

Missouri State University is governed by a nine-member Board of Governors. All members are appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Missouri Senate, to serve six-year terms. The nine-member Board of Governors shall represent each of Missouri's nine congressional districts. A non-voting member, a current Missouri State University student, also sits on the Board. At the time of printing this catalog, eight of these appointments had been made.

The Chancellor is the chief executive officer of Missouri State University-West Plains and is responsible to the President of the University System and to the Board of Governors for the recommendation of and administration of institutional policies and operation. The senior administrative officers of the University's West Plains Campus serve as an advisory body to the Chancellor and are responsible for specific operational divisions of Missouri State University-West Plains. The Faculty Senate is composed of all ranked faculty members and established for the purpose of planning programs, developing curriculum, providing a forum for discussion of faculty concerns, and communicating concerns to the University community. The Staff Senate is composed of all support staff and promotes the welfare and professional development of University staff and serves as its representative to the campus community. The Student Government Association provides the means by which students can participate in campus governance, student discipline, and the management of student activities.

To formulate policy, facilitate decision making, and promote a spirit of collegiality, Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to participatory governance and to an open system of communication.

Dr. Michael T. Nietzel

Missouri State University
System President

Drew Bennett

Missouri State University
West Plains
Chancellor

Mary Sheid

Michael Duggan

John L. Winston

Brian Hammons

Phyllis Washington

Cathy Smith

Gordon Elliott

Ryan Childress