Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development DHEWD

Overview

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is a state agency responsible for coordinating and overseeing postsecondary education and workforce development initiatives in Missouri. Established in 2019 through the consolidation of the Missouri Department of Higher Education, the Division of Workforce Development, and the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, MDHEWD aims to align educational outcomes with labor market needs, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing the employability of Missouri residents.

Historical and Legal Framework

MDHEWD was officially formed on August 28, 2019, following the signing of Executive Order 19-15 by Governor Mike Parson. This restructuring aimed to streamline the state's approach to higher education and workforce development by integrating various agencies under a single department. The transformation was a result of Executive Order 19-03, signed on January 17, 2019, which realigned Missouri’s workforce development systems through a major restructuring of state government. The department operates under the legal framework established by the Missouri Constitution and state statutes governing education and labor.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

MDHEWD's mission is "To put Missourians on a path to learn, work, and prosper." This mission underscores the department's commitment to providing accessible and quality education and training opportunities that equip individuals with the skills necessary for success in the workforce. The department's objectives in higher education include:

• Enhancing access to postsecondary education and training programs.
• Improving educational attainment and workforce participation.
• Aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands.
• Reducing barriers to educational attainment and workforce participation.

These objectives are reflected in the department's strategic initiatives and partnerships with educational institutions, employers, and community organizations.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

MDHEWD operates under the guidance of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE), a nine-member board established by an amendment to the Missouri Constitution in 1972. The CBHE oversees the department and serves as its governing body. The board members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, with representation from each of Missouri's eight congressional districts and one at-large member. The department is led by a commissioner who serves as the executive director and is responsible for implementing the policies and directives established by the CBHE.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

MDHEWD plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of higher education in Missouri. The department collaborates with accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate and approve postsecondary institutions operating within the state. Institutions must meet specific criteria to be authorized to offer degree programs and participate in federal financial aid programs. The department also monitors institutional performance and compliance with state and federal regulations to maintain high educational standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While MDHEWD primarily focuses on state-level education and workforce development, it recognizes the importance of global engagement in enhancing educational quality and workforce competitiveness. The department supports initiatives that promote international collaboration, such as student exchange programs, partnerships with foreign educational institutions, and participation in international workforce development forums. These efforts aim to expose Missouri students and professionals to global perspectives and practices, thereby enriching their educational and career experiences.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

MDHEWD's initiatives have a significant impact on higher education in Missouri. The department's strategic plan, "Building Missouri's Future," released in March 2025, outlines goals to increase educational attainment and workforce participation across the state. Key priorities include:

• Expanding access to affordable and quality postsecondary education and training.
• Enhancing alignment between educational programs and labor market needs.
• Promoting lifelong learning and skill development opportunities.
• Addressing equity gaps in educational access and outcomes.

Through these initiatives, MDHEWD aims to strengthen the state's higher education system and ensure that Missouri residents are well-prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic workforce.

Summary

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's educational landscape. By integrating higher education and workforce development functions, the department fosters a cohesive approach to preparing individuals for success in the workforce. Through strategic planning, governance, and collaboration with educational institutions and industry partners, MDHEWD strives to enhance educational opportunities, improve workforce readiness, and contribute to Missouri's economic prosperity.

FAQs

1. What is the mission of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development?

   The department's mission is "To put Missourians on a path to learn, work, and prosper," focusing on providing accessible education and training opportunities that align with workforce needs.

2. When was MDHEWD established?

   MDHEWD was officially formed on August 28, 2019, through the consolidation of the Missouri Department of Higher Education, the Division of Workforce Development, and the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

3. Who oversees the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development?

   The department is overseen by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, a nine-member board established by an amendment to the Missouri Constitution in 1972.

4. What role does MDHEWD play in accreditation?

   MDHEWD collaborates with accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate and approve postsecondary institutions in Missouri, ensuring compliance with educational standards.

5. How does MDHEWD support international cooperation?

   While primarily focused on state-level initiatives, MDHEWD supports international collaboration through student exchange programs, partnerships with foreign institutions, and participation in global workforce development forums.

Organization Name

Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Acronym

DHEWD

Year of Establishment

1/01/2019

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

301 W. High Street; PO Box 1469
Jefferson City
65102-1469 Missouri United States

Phone

+1 (573) 751 2361

Fax

+1 (573) 751 6635

List of universities in Missouri recognized by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD):

Public four-year universities

Harris-Stowe State University
Lincoln University
Missouri Southern State University
Missouri State University
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Missouri Western State University
Northwest Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University
Truman State University
University of Central Missouri
University of Missouri – Columbia
University of Missouri – Kansas City
University of Missouri – St. Louis

Public two-year colleges

Crowder College
East Central College
Jefferson College
Metropolitan Community College
Mineral Area College
Missouri State University – West Plains
Moberly Area Community College
North Central Missouri College
Ozarks Technical Community College
St. Charles Community College
St. Louis Community College
State Fair Community College
State Technical College of Missouri
Three Rivers College

Specialized/technical colleges

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Bolivar Technical College
Cleveland University
Cox College of Nursing
Goldfarb School of Nursing
Kansas City Art Institute
Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences
Logan University
Ranken Technical College
Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences
Southeast Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Univeristy of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis

Independent four-year colleges and universities

Avila University
Central Methodist University
College of the Ozarks
Columbia College
Cottey College
Culver-Stockton College
Drury University
Evangel University
Fontbonne University
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Lindenwood University
Maryville University
Missouri Baptist University
Missouri Valley College
Park University
Rockhurst University
Saint Louis University
Southwest Baptist University
Stephens College
Washington University
Webster University
Westminster College
William Jewell College
William Woods University
Theological Institutions
Aquinas Institute of Theology
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
Baptist Bible College
Calvary University
Central Bible College
Central Christian College of the Bible
Conception Seminary College
Concordia Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary
Eden Theological Seminary
Global University
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
Midwest University
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Ozark Christian College
Saint Louis Christian College
Saint Paul School of Theology
Urshan College
Urshan Graduate School of Theology

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development's Wikipedia article

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