There are many faces that you will see on campus on any given day, and you are sure to see a staff member that is an alum of Missouri Western State University.
Darcy Groce, who is an Administrative Coordinator for the Department of the College of Professional Studies, is one of them.
Groce earned her bachelor’s degree in 2002, but has been working at Missouri Western since 1995.
Although she had decided to attend Missouri Western right out of high school, an actual degree would come later in life.
“I came to Western for the first time right out of high school. After attending for one year, I decided college was not for me. And it wasn’t until I started working here in 1995 that I decided to go back to school,” Groce said.
After she started working at Missouri Western, she decided that the college had a lot to offer for a better future and tried one or two majors until she found the perfect fit.
“My first major was Speech Communication, but upon helping Kip Wilson set up for a majors fair, I changed my major to Criminal Justice,” Groce said.
For Groce, working at Missouri Western had a lot to do with going back to school.
“I was working at another business in town, and the Dean of Professional Studies at that time was on the Board of Directors. He called me and asked if I would be interested in working here, so I interviewed for the position and here I am, in my 13th year at Western,” Groce said.
Groce is very happy that she decided to attend Missouri Western, both academically and professionally.
“My husband earned his Associate Degree in Engineering Technology from Western in 1998, I obtained my degree in 2002 and both of our children now attend. Our daughter will graduate in May 2008 with a BSBA in Management and our son is a sophomore majoring in Video/Theatre. I also have a nephew who attends Western,” Groce said.
After working and attending classes at Western, Groce has some wonderful advice for prospective students.
“Take advantage of every service that is offered on campus. Get involved and don’t be afraid to ask for help if and when it is needed. Take pride in your education, walk across the stage and receive your diploma - you earned it,” Groce said.
Groce enjoys working at Missouri Western and believes in its mission.
“I wouldn’t have been here for as long as I have if I didn’t. It has been exciting to see all of the changes that have taken place over the years. I truly believe in the mission, vision and values of this institution.” Groce said.
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