Northwest extends Tatum’s contract

Lance Tatum Northwest Missouri State University President

MARYVILLE, Mo.— Northwest Missouri State University’s Board of Regents has extended the contract of university President Lance Tatum for four more years.

According to a news release from the university, the new contract took effect July 1 and replaces the initial three-year agreement the board awarded to Tatum when it selected him in 2023 to become the 11th president in Northwest’s history.

“Speaking for the board, we are very pleased with what has happened in his first two years and the impact both he and his wife, Jill, have made on the campus community, the Maryville community and our alumni base,” Board Chair Mel Tjeerdsma said in a statement. He noted that the regents were unanimous in their decision. “We feel like it’s been extremely positive, and we want him to know that and for him to be with us a long time.”

During his first two years as Northwest’s president, Tatum has prioritized enrollment growth and sustainability, enhancing the collegiate experience and supporting the university’s faculty and staff.

With Tatum’s support, the university is in the second phase of a $105 million infrastructure modernization project that will deliver more reliable, sustainable and cost-effective heating, cooling and water to campus facilities.

Additionally, under Tatum’s leadership, Northwest recently implemented a restructure of its academic units, and developed a more sustainable and transparent compensation system for university employees, the news release stated.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Board of Regents for their continued trust and confidence in my leadership,” Tatum said. “It is a great privilege to serve as president of Northwest Missouri State University, and I am honored to continue working alongside so many dedicated and passionate members of the Bearcat community.

“Since I arrived in 2023, I have been deeply inspired by the strength of our leadership team, the commitment of our faculty and staff, the passion of our students, and the enduring loyalty of our alumni. Each group has played a crucial role in helping our university move forward. Their support, guidance and belief in our mission have made this work both meaningful and deeply fulfilling. I am excited for the road ahead and proud to be a Bearcat.”