Good morning, Truman Community!

As you will see in the announcement below, Provost Janet Gooch has been named the next chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield and will begin her new position on July 1, 2022.

Janet has contributed significantly to our University since 1995, most recently as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost for the past five years.  When she was named as Provost, she stated that she would “do [her] absolute best to provide thoughtful, visionary and cooperative leadership to the University” and she has definitely done that through very challenging times.  Truman is better because of Janet.  I am certain that she will be a terrific chancellor and that Truman and I will miss her greatly.

Given the timing, we will conduct a national search (with members of our community most welcome to apply) that will commence in the fall semester.  I will work with constituency groups to establish a search committee and develop a position description and will name an interim provost to serve until the new provost can begin.

Please join me in congratulating Janet, thanking her for all she has done for Truman, and wishing her the very best in her new venture.

Best regards,

Sue

 

Janet L. Gooch named chancellor at University of Illinois Springfield

Gooch will lead UIS after serving as executive vice president and provost at Truman State University

 Janet L. Gooch, the executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at Truman State University, an accomplished higher education leader and educator, has been named chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield and vice president for the University of Illinois System, pending formal approval by the Board of Trustees at its May 19 meeting.

Gooch will take office on July 1 and succeed interim Chancellor Karen M. Whitney, who has served in that role since June 3, 2020.

Gooch, 56, has been executive vice president and provost at Truman State University since 2017 and has been an administrator and member of the faculty at the university in Kirksville, Mo., since 1995. She brings a wide range of experience to her new role as chancellor at UIS and its more than 3,900 students and more than 900 faculty and staff.

Prior to serving as executive vice president and provost, Gooch was dean of Truman’s School of Health Sciences and Education and, prior to that, department chair of Communication Disorders. She held interim roles as dean of the School of Science and Mathematics and director of Strategic Initiatives. She remains a professor in the Department of Communication Disorders.

 “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to join the University of Illinois Springfield and lead this regional powerhouse in the years ahead. I look forward to getting to know the students, faculty and staff at UIS, as well as the city of Springfield, and working together as we chart a course that provides opportunities for our students and serves the region as both an educator and an economic engine,” Gooch said. “Chancellors Whitney and Koch have made access and equity priorities at UIS, and I plan to continue to build on that work. This will mean opening doors for more and more students and providing them with the tools to reach their full potential, helping build a better and sustainable future for us all.”

University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen said Gooch’s wealth of experience at 4,200-student Truman and her focus on access and equity will make her “an ideal chancellor for UIS and the U of I System.”

“Dr. Gooch has long been an innovative leader at Truman State University, as well as a respected educator,” Killeen added. “Her vision for UIS is based on this track record of success and a deep investment in collaboration that will serve the university, its students and faculty and the entire university system well.”

As executive vice president and provost at Truman, Gooch led Academic Affairs through the successful completion of the university’s five-year strategic plan for 2015-20 and development of the new plan for 2021-25. She also helped lead the university through the redesign of its undergraduate liberal studies program and supported the development of new online graduate programs in mental health and school counseling, disability studies, data science and analytic storytelling, gifted education, among others, as well as new undergraduate programs music therapy, biochemistry and molecular biology, and a bachelor of science in philosophy and religion.

Gooch also brings a strong history of leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion, including initiating the creation of Truman’s TruSelf Program, designed to provide support to historically underrepresented students and improve retention and graduation rates, as well as collaborating on the development of the university’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.

“UIS is an innovator in a range of fields, and an established provider of high-quality teaching and a student-centered educational experience,” Gooch said. “These are major assets that we can leverage to increase access and offer life-changing opportunities to growing numbers of Illinoisans from all backgrounds.”

Gooch received her doctorate in speech-language pathology from Case Western Reserve University in 1997, a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Kent State University in 1990, and her bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology in 1988 from the University of Kansas.

She was chosen from three finalists and a robust pool of qualified applicants.

A committee chaired by Professor Beverly Bunch advised system Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs Avijit Ghosh and Killeen in the search.

Gooch is married to Richard L. Gooch, D.D.S. They have three grown children.

Mask Policy Update

This afternoon (February 25), the CDC released new mask guidance based upon COVID-19 Community Levels.  Under this new guidance, the Adair County COVID-19 Community Level is classified as “low.”  For counties with low community levels, there is no recommendation to wear a mask unless a person has symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19.  Effective at 5:00 p.m., February 25, masks will no longer be required on campus.

Those who prefer to wear masks should continue to do so.  Individuals may require others to wear masks in their personal office or workspace but must provide masks if needed.

The University will continue its current contact tracing program and will adhere to CDC guidelines regarding quarantine and isolation procedures.

Decisions regarding the mask policy are made by the President in consultation with the Executive Leadership Team.  faFactors taken into consideration include, but are not limited to: the number of active cases related to the University; the transmission rate in Adair County; the campus vaccination rate; Truman’s capacity to effectively accommodate students in isolation and quarantine; guidance of the CDC and the local health department; and the advice of Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and Student Government.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, the University will maintain a flexible approach to COVID-19 prevention and make decisions based on all relevant information available.

The recording of the address entitled “KIRK!” given by President Thomas to kickoff the inaugural spring Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW) held on February 17 has been added to the SPAW website: https://wp-internal.truman.edu/provost/resources/spaw/.

President Sue Thomas will give an address on Thursday, February 17, at 2 p.m. in the Georgian Rooms of the Student Union to kick off the Spring Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW) Sessions.  The President’s annual State of the University address is entitled “KIRK!” and a webcast of her remarks will be made available to campus shortly thereafter.

A schedule of events for the Spring SPAW Sessions will be provided later this week.

We look forward to seeing you on February 17^th!

Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met on Saturday, February 5, under the leadership of Governor Sarah Burkemper, Board Chair.  The meeting took place in McClain Hall 206J.  All ten Board members participated virtually given the recent winter storms in mid-and south Missouri.  Governor Burkemper called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. and welcomed all in attendance.

During the Public Comment section of the meeting, Governor Burkemper recognized student Elias Burrough who had requested to speak to the Board on behalf of the Truman State University College Republicans.  Elias, the event coordinator for the College Republicans, provided brief comments concerning the implementation of COVID mitigation strategies.

Governor Burkemper recognized Governor K. Brooks Miller, Jr. for his service as the 2021 Chair of the Board, noting that the Board hopes to officially recognize Governor Miller in person at the Board’s April meeting.

In terms of reports, Mike Gibbons with GibbonsWorkman, LLC, shared his thoughts related to the 2022 Missouri Legislative Session.  The firm of GibbonsWorkman serves as Truman’s Governmental Relations Service Consultant.  Shania Montufar and Ethan Kershaw, 2021-22 President and Vice President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report highlighting the organization’s many impactful activities and initiatives.  Dr. Tyana Lange, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, provided an enrollment management report focusing on efforts to recruit the Fall 2022 entering class.  I shared a President’s Report providing a budget update and highlighting a Higher Education and Workforce Development Roundtable on February 1, coordinated by Missouri Governor Mike Parson and hosted by Truman.

Both at the meeting and within their committee meetings, the Board received updates in the areas of academic affairs and student services on the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Quality Initiative on Advising, the Barbara Dixon Faculty Research Fund, Esports, and the University’s Social Media efforts.  In addition, Board members reviewed their Conflict of Interest Policy and financial, investment, and on-campus construction project reports, and committee members approved engagement letters for the upcoming audit.

In terms of action items, the Board approved three new academic programs – Bachelor of Science in Music Business, Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, and Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics – effective with the 2022-23 Academic Year, subject to the approval of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.  All three programs should be attractive to prospective students.

The Board authorized the execution of contracts with enrollmentFUEL, LLC to provide continuing customer relationship management services for the Office of Admission, and with LifeWorks (US) Ltd. to continue to provide remote mental health counseling services for Truman students.

Within budget and capital, the Board approved the Summer 2022 Flooring Project, a project that will replace carpet and tile flooring in need or replacement in areas of Violette Hall, Ophelia Parrish, and Magruder Hall.  Funds are available in the Local Capital Budget.  In addition, the Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement for Unit I by and between Truman State University and the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local No 995 for Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2024.  Employees in the Physical Plant are represented by the Union, and changes to the memorandum include an updated vacation policy for employees with more than 20 years of service and the allowance of members to transfer between similar positions and keep their current wage.

Lastly, the Board approved a one-time faculty early retirement incentive program with a separation/retirement date no later than May 31, 2023.  Eligible for the early retirement incentive program are all full-time employees holding faculty status currently employed at Truman who meet one of the following conditions by May 31, 2023:  1) MOSERS Participant (MOSERS Retirement Eligible on or before June 1, 2023); or 2) CURP Participant (age plus years of service must equal 70 on or before June 1, 2023).  The program is not available to employees who have already committed their written intent to retire from the University.  The program is limited to thirty-five (35) participants and provides a cash incentive payment of $30,000 which will be payable as a lump sum in the employee’s final paycheck from the University.  The enrollment period runs from February 28 through April 1, 2022.  The Human Resources Office will distribute additional information as well as directions on how to apply.

A copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/.  The next regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, April 9.

In a time when gratitude and appreciation are more important than ever, please know that the members of the Board of Governors and I not only recognize but are enormously grateful, for your immense contributions and devotion to our students and our University.

Continue to be well,
Sue

Mask Policy Extended

In light of the significant increases in COVID cases in Adair County, as well as among students and employees, Truman State University will continue its mask policy, with the next review date on or before Feb. 25.

This month has seen the highest number of known cases in the county since the start of the pandemic. Based on the CDC COVID Data Tracker, community transmission in Adair County is listed as “high,” the most extreme category. The CDC recommends everyone should wear a mask in public indoor settings when transmission is high.

Decisions regarding the mask policy are made by the president in consultation with the executive leadership team. Factors taken into consideration include, but are not limited to: the number of active cases related to the University; the transmission rate in Adair County; the campus vaccination rate; Truman’s capacity to effectively accommodate students in isolation and quarantine; guidance of the CDC and the local health department; and the advice of Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, the University will maintain a flexible approach in regard to COVID-19 and make decisions based on all relevant information available.

Welcome back, Bulldogs!

I hope your break was everything you wanted it to be and more!  While we once again begin a semester with the challenges of the pandemic, I am confident that we can successfully get on the other side of this surge if we strongly consider the impact of our decisions on others.

It is essential that individually, and as groups, we continue to make community-affirming decisions to provide the best opportunity to have the type of semester we all want to have.

While all of us wish we did not have to continue to do so, we must continue to practice multiple mitigation methods, including correctly wearing masks indoors, social distancing when possible, and frequent hand washing.

It is important to stay home if you are not feeling well or have recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID.  Your instructor/supervisor/coach will work with you about your absence.  Please also consider limiting gatherings during the first few weeks of the semester.

While it has always been the case, it has become even more clear during the pandemic that the decisions you make impact others.  Let’s all make sure it is a positive impact.

Have a happy, healthy and successful semester,
Sue

 

As FYI, the following message was shared with our students on Wednesday.

Continue to adhere to our COVID-19 mitigation strategies and have a healthy and successful spring semester.

From: President’s Office
Subject: Spring 2022 COVID-19 Guidelines

As the Spring 2022 semester begins, Truman will return under the same guidelines that were in place during Fall 2021. Given the minimal risk of COVID-19 transmission in the classroom, we believe we can safely return to campus by adhering to our mitigation strategies.

The indoor mask policy remains in effect, but due to the Omicron variant’s increased infectiousness, you are encouraged to upgrade your cloth masks by adding a filter and/or adding a surgical mask underneath your cloth mask to enhance protection.  More protective options include KN95 masks and N95 masks.

It is essential to practice multiple mitigation methods, including social distancing and frequent hand washing. Consider limiting gatherings during the first few weeks back to campus.

These precautions continue to be necessary given the rise in cases due to the Omicron variant and have proven to be very effective for Truman to this point. The next review of the mask policy will take place on or before January 28.

It is anticipated that some students may be unable to return to campus safely due to exposure or illness while on break. Truman will continue to be flexible and understanding if students need to be absent to ensure their own health and the health of others. Anyone feeling ill or with recent exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home and take the proper precautions. Students who are in quarantine or isolation should notify their instructors and report their case to the Student Health Center at (660) 785-4182 or studenthealth@cfmcares.com. We strongly recommend that, regardless of symptoms, students who have been isolating or quarantining get tested before returning to campus.

If you are six months past the last dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months past the last dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we strongly encourage you to get a booster shot. If you are unvaccinated, now would be a very good time to start getting vaccinated.

In accordance with updated CDC guidelines, the University is changing the time for isolation and quarantine to a minimum of five days. Students will be provided with a KN95 mask to wear after release from isolation and quarantine.

Isolation: Everyone who has presumed or confirmed COVID-19 should stay home and isolate from other people for at least five full days (day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date of the day of the positive viral test for asymptomatic persons). They should wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional five days. People who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 need to isolate regardless of their vaccination status.

Quarantine: Individuals who are not fully vaccinated, including boosters, who come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 must quarantine for five days and wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days to minimize the risk of infecting others. Individuals who have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters, are not required to quarantine. They should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of their last close contact with someone with COVID-19.

Decisions regarding the University’s COVID-19 policies are made by the President in consultation with the Executive Leadership Team. Factors taken into consideration include, but are not limited to: the number of active cases related to the University; the transmission rate in Adair County; the campus vaccination rate; Truman’s capacity to effectively accommodate students in isolation and quarantine; guidance of the CDC and the local health department; and the advice of Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government.

 

Dear Colleagues:

Here’s to you and the end of another unpredictable, but enormously fulfilling semester in which, collectively and individually, we have accomplished so much!  Thanks to your skills, talents, and devotion, our students are another step closer to realizing their goals.

May each of you enjoy a much-deserved break filled with relaxation, laughter, and love.

I look forward to everything we will achieve together in 2022!

Wishing you all the best,
Sue

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