MSSU Board approves emeritus status for three former professors, adopts budget

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern’s Board of Governors unanimously approved emeritus status for three former professors at its meeting today at the Ron Richard Athletic Center.

Dr. Mike Lawson and Dr. Scott Wells, who each taught biology, and Dr. Dan Marsh, a former physics professor, were given the title of emeritus professors, a prestigious honor given because of meritorious service to the University including significant contributions in teaching, job performance, scholarly activity and service. A faculty member must have taught at Missouri Southern for a minimum of 15 years to be considered for emeritus status.

Dr. Wells retired in 2022 after 29 years of service in the biology department. He served as department chair for five years, worked to improve and update the curricula for human physiology and pathophysiology, advised countless students, and was an important anatomy and physiology faculty member.

Dr. Lawson graduated from MSSU in 1972 before serving in the university’s biology department from 1991 until his retirement in 2019. He was active in the Missouri Southern Regional Science Fair and Missouri Academy of Science.

“Dr. Wells was an important anatomy and physiology faculty member, and Dr. Lawson— with retired biology professor, Dr. Gerry Schlink—created the Biomes-Belize course that took students to study abroad in Belize,” said Dr. Jason Willand, associate professor of biology and environmental health who worked with both men. “Both professors had a big impact on our biology department.”

Dr. Marsh served 24 years in the MSSU physics department before retiring in 2020. He won the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2002 and the Outstanding Advisor Award in 2012. Dr. Marsh also judged numerous local science fairs and participated in physics demonstrations at Third Thursday and at area schools. Though retired, he still teaches physics as an adjunct professor at MSSU.

Marsh’s impact extends to faculty like Dr. Marsi Archer, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, who met him during her first year at MSSU.

“He was a very supportive colleague and readily answered my questions as I started my career,” said Archer. “He wants to share his love of physics with his students and to make sure they truly understand the subject. Dr. Marsh is one of the most enthusiastic and passionate scientists I have ever met.”

Professor of Chemistry Dr. Lynell Gilbert-Saunders elaborated further: “Dan's joy of discovery reminds me of George Washington Carver, who came from a humble family, loved God, and spent his life exploring the wonders of the universe God created. Dr. Marsh is more than my colleague; he is a friend to anyone who meets him.”

Emeritus faculty nominations begin the individual’s academic department and must be approved by the dean of each school, the provost, and university president before earning final approval from the Boad of Governors.

In other business Thursday, the Board adopted a $78 million revenue budget for Fiscal Year 2025, resulting in a cash-positive budget that reflects projected revenues exceeding projected expenditures. The budget includes continued investments in MSSU employees and facilities, MSSU President Dr. Dean Van Galen told the Board. These investments allow the university to better serve students and provide them with an exceptional university experience, he said.







“A cash-positive budget is a productive step for our University,” Van Galen said. “I want to emphasize that the recent enrollment growth we have seen is a major factor in our financial progress, and I want to thank our faculty and staff for their efforts to support the recruitment, retention and success of our students.”

The budget includes a 3.57% in-state tuition rate increase and a 3% base appropriation increase in state support. Financial aid and scholarship expenses account for $13.2 million of the budget, resulting in a net operating expense budget of $64.8 million. Compensation and benefits ($39.9 million) represent 60 percent of the net operating budget. The adopted budget will fund approximately $1 million in total employee compensation increases for the coming fiscal year beginning July 1.