By MATT PIKE

The Missouri Western State University Board of Governors has named Patt Lilly as the universities Interim President, effective May 11th, following the retirement announcement of university President Elizabeth Kennedy.

Most recently serving as Principal Consultant at Lilly & Associates, Lilly previously led the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO for more than 18 years, where he played a key role in advancing regional growth and economic development. He served as Chief Administrative Officer for Triumph Foods for almost seven years. In addition, Lilly has held multiple roles in local government serving as City Manager for the City of St. Joseph, as well as, management positions in Texas cities.

Lilly began his career in commercial banking. He holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Houston.

“Having served 12 years of the Board of Governors, including a term as Chair, Lilly is a dedicated, long-standing supporter of the University,” chair of the Board of Governors Bill Grimwood says in a news release, in a statement to campus. “Lilly brings decades of executive leadership experience across various sectors including public service, private industry and community development. This depth of experience, combined with a strong understanding of our region and community, uniquely positions Lilly to lead the University during this transition. The Board has full confidence in his ability to guide Missouri Western with clarity, stability and purpose.”

“I am honored to support the University at this critical time,” Lilly says. “I am committed to maximizing the strength of our faculty and staff to ensure operational continuity. I look forward to working closely with the Board to facilitate a successful transition and the selection of the next president.”

Grimwood says MoWest will continue to move forward with confidence.

“Our priorities, supporting student success, advancing applied learning and strengthening our role in the region, remain unchanged,” Grimwood says. “Day-to-day operations will continue as normal, and our work moving the university forward will not pause.”

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