The 10th chapter has begun.
Dr. John Jasinski officially took over as Northwest Missouri State University's 10th president on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, Jasinski was introduced to staff, faculty, students, alumni and community members during a short ceremony outside the east entrance of the Administration Building.
Ready to hit the ground running, Jasinski said his first days would be busy and there were several issues to consider.
"There's so many good things," Jasinski said. "We're going to work on some facilities, we're going to look at the health care issues with faculty and staff (and) we have to build relationships across the region.
"But all of those things are really in motion right now."
Jasinski also had meetings lined up with his leadership team, board members, the provost, Nodaway County Economic Development and members of the media for Thursday.
Another priority for the new president is to fill positions on his staff following the retirement of a number of long-time employees. Jasinski said it's something he's already begun to address.
"We've only got two positions left to fill," Jasinski said. "The review of the candidates is taking place beginning next Tuesday in terms of the first official meeting. We hope to have on-campus interviews the third week of July and if all things go well, perhaps make an offer at the end of July."
Jasinski began building his leadership team in June. Dr. Douglas Dunham has been named as interim provost, Dan Edmonds has been named as interim vice president of finance and operations, Mary Throener has been named vice president of human resources and organizational effectiveness, and Orrie Covert will temporarily fill the leadership role for the office of university relations. Covert is Northwest's vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the Northwest Foundation.
Jasinski holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and master's and bachelor's degrees from Central Michigan University.
Before coming to Northwest, Jasinski worked at Northwood University from 2007-2009 as the executive vice president/chief academic and operating officer. While there, he oversaw academics and operations across three campuses in three states, 35 satellites across nine states and six international programs, according to a Northwest media release.
Before getting started on his day, Jasinski took the time to look ahead and answered a question as to what he is looking forward to the most.
"The culture and the excellence at Northwest Missouri State University," Jasinski said. "Northwest is a great institution and it's just vibrant. And looking ahead, I see nothing but greatness on the horizon."
