Missouri State University

The Student Affairs Focus - Fall 2010

 

In this issue: The 2010 Division of Student Affairs Awards

2010 DOSA Awards

While some aspects of campus are changing, one constant that we have is the skilled, dedicated staff in the Division of Student Affairs.  The Division of Student Affairs staff, and the amount of work, service and learning that we provide could be put up against anyone at anytime.  Recognizing this fact is one reason why we established the Division of Student Affairs (DOSA) awards.  The first annual DOSA Awards were presented at the State of the Division meeting held in the Plaster Student Union on August 10.  We established several categories for the awards and solicited nominations.  It was obvious from the numerous nominations that colleagues recognize and appreciate the professionalism and commitment to students and to each other!  The 2010 DOSA Award recipients are:

  • Promotion of Cultural Competence   Juan Meraz & Wes Pratt
  • Promotion of Community Engagement   Jeremy Schenk
  • Promotion of Ethical Leadership   Katheryne Staeger-Wilson
  • Innovation by a Team   (Apartment 101)   Jim Bonds,  Steve Braden,  Donald Clark, Abby Harris,  Jayne Markin,  Clyde Soyez-Miller
  • Outstanding New Program   (Tunnel of Oppression)   Alison Sinadinos,  Angela Strider, Kyle Wesolowski
  • Outstanding Non-Exempt Staff Member   Joy Rhodes
  • Outstanding Exempt Staff Member   SuzAnn Ferguson
  • Outstanding New Staff Member   Don Harris
  • Outstanding Graduate Assistant   Shannon O’Hagan
  • Vice President’s Special Recognition   Heather King

In addition, Dr. Doman also selected a receipient for the “Vice President’s Special Recognition" award.  No one knew about this award until it was presented.  The award was presented to Heather King in the Office of Financial Aid. She was selected because of her ability to "go the extra mile” time after time to care for our students, to keep a positive attitude in her interactions with student, parents, faculty and staff, and to help the Division of Student Affairs maintain and reinforce our reputation of having knowledgeable, student-center staff.

Not long after the semester started, another special DOSA award was given. After reflecting on the numerous compliments the university receives in regards to the "Missouri State Experience", it seemed necessary to select another to join Heather, Joy, SuzAnn, and the other 2010 DOSA Award recipients.  Dr. Doman decided to grant this award to the person who received the first unsolicited compliment.  During the first week of classes, he received a very complimentary email about the excellent service and personal attention provided by a MSU Bookstore employee.  That very same day, another special recognitionl DOSA Award was presented to Richard Monroe.

Please continue to send to your supervisors and/or to Dr. Doman examples of observed cases of what we have come to identify as the “Missouri State Experience.”  As was communicated during one of our staff development session the Missouri State Experience goes beyond the expected “good customer service” or providing quality services or experiences for our campus community.  The Missouri State Experience means we exceed expectations and provide that “wow” experience.  THAT is what we strive for in the Division of Student Affairs.

  • Dr. Doman giving the opening address at the 2010 DOSA Awards
  • Dr. Cofer also addressed the audience at the 2010 DOSA Awards
  • Don Harris accepting the DOSA Award for Outstanding New Staff Member
  • Heather King accepting the Vice President's Special Recognition award
  • Jim Bonds, Steve Braden, Donald Clark, Abby Harris, Jayne Markin, Clyde Soyez-Miller were all members of Apartment 101, receipients of the 2010 DOSA Award for Innovation by a Team
  • The Promotion of Community Engagement DOSA Award was given to Jeremy Schenk
  • Joy Rhodes accepting her DOSA Award for Outstanding Non-Exempt Staff Member
  • Juan Maraz accepting the award for Promotion of Cultural Competence
  • Angela Strider and Kyle Wesolowski accepting the award for Outstanding New Program
  • Shannon O'Hagan received the DOSA Award for Outstanding Graduate Assistant
  • The 2010 DOSA Award for Promotion of Ethical Leadership was given to Katheryne Staeger-Wilson
  • SuzAnn Ferguson accepting the 2010 DOSA Award for Outstanding Exempt Staff Member
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A Word from the Vice President

Dr. DomanIt seems hard to believe, but it is a fact that at the end of fall semester we will be poised to enter into the second decade of this century (some say it will be the second year of the new decade).  In many ways it seems just like yesterday we were wondering what if anything would happen when internal computer calendars turned to the year 2000 (Y2K); it has been 9 years since 9-11; it has been 5 years since Katrina hit the gulf coast; it has been 5 years since we became  Missouri State University!

This semester can also be viewed as a new beginning with new challenges.  We have the excitement that comes with a new leader, Dr. James Cofer, the 10th President of Missouri State University.  We have stable enrollment, but the challenge to make important strategic decisions as the University confronts the looming State budget reductions for fiscal year ’12 (2011 – 2012 academic year) and beyond.  The important strategic decisions we make will also play a role in the work currently underway to establish the next long-range plan for the University.  While State revenue must certainly be considered as we make plans for the future, we also must not be so concerned about budgets that we limit our imagination, our creativity and our willingness to stretch or redefine what we do and how we do it.

I also had the opportunity during our State of the Division address on August 10 to highlight the Divisional Focus Goals for 2010 – 2011.  It is my expectation that all units strive to address these goals in some manner in all of our operations.  Some of the goals fit better with some units than others, but everyone has the opportunity to contribute to their accomplishment.  The 2010 – 2011 Divisional Focus goals are:

  • Support of Public Affairs Mission---’10 – ’11 annual theme = Leading in a Global Society
  • Diversity Engagement
  • Missouri State Experience (customer service)
  • Assessment (Student Voice & other assessments)

I think everyone will recognize that these are essentially an extension of the goals from last academic year.  Every unit again has the opportunity to establish their own objectives on how to strive for accomplishment of the divisional goals.  We need to build upon the excellent strides taken last year to create opportunities for diversity engagement; we need to seek to instill into everyone the importance of providing the “Missouri State Experience.”  Great strides were also taken on assessing what we do and why we do it during this past year.  We need to continue those efforts and expand our focus to include how we utilize our assessment results to improve, change or redefine what we do.

The 2010 -  2011 academic year will be filled with challenges and opportunities.  We are part of a great University with an important mission; join with me in staying student-centered, positive in the belief that what we do is important, and SMILE !  The academic year has just begun!

 

 

 

 

 

Contact:

For questions, comments, or submissions relevant to The Student Affairs Focus, please contact Erin Holm in the Office of Student Affairs: (417) 836-5526.