Wes Pratt, a 'guiding light' in Springfield, to retire from MSU leadership role
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Springfield native Wes Pratt announced Friday that he will retire Aug. 1 from his role as chief diversity officer at Missouri State.
The graduate of Central High School and Drury University stepped into the role in 2016 after previously serving in other leadership positions at the university.
“Wes has been a leader of change at Missouri State and in the community as a whole. He has served the students, faculty, and staff, facilitated tough conversations, and fought for progress,” said MSU President Clif Smart, in a news release. “We will miss his wisdom and guidance at MSU.”
Pratt expanded diversity training on campus and across the city, region and state. He's been instrumental in the opening the Collaborative Diversity Conference and the Facing Racism Institute to larger audiences.
He helped establish the Student African American Brotherhood’s local chapter, Brother to Brother, in Springfield. He worked with SAAB leadership to relocate its headquarters to the MSU campus.
Pratt made the decision public Friday during a meeting of the MSU Board of Governors, which has gathered in West Plains.
“Wes Pratt is a pillar of our community. His strong voice and clarion call has served as our collective conscience as well as a guiding light in our constant efforts to make Springfield a welcoming city for all,” said Mayor Ken McClure, in the release.
“I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement and look forward to the next chapter of his life.”
To give the university time to find a permanent replacement, which will require a national search, it plans to look internally for an interim leader to serve one year.
Pratt, who has a juris doctorate from San Diego Law School, explained why he stepped into the job six years ago.
“My calling in life has been to make a difference whether as an advocate, a public official, or as a professional by empowering young people to achieve their dreams and their full potential as contributing citizens," Pratt said in 2016. "I’ve personally and professionally been encouraged by the collaborative efforts of the administration, faculty, students, staff and community stakeholders in valuing diversity.”
More: Helping all SPS students feel 'welcome and valued' is goal of diversity, equity work group
Pratt left Springfield after college and worked in California and Maryland. He was hired by Missouri State in 2007 and served in these roles:
Coordinator of diversity, outreach and recruitment.
Interim equal opportunity officer.
Director of institutional equity and compliance/Title IX coordinator/ADA coordinator
Assistant to the president and chief diversity officer.
He was appointed by the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri to serve as a member of the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness.
In the Springfield community, Pratt is credited with
Helping to revitalize the local NAACP chapter.
Establishing The Gathering, a volunteer-led, community-focused group.
Being the co-founder and president of the Multicultural Business Association, formerly Minorities in Business.
In California, Pratt practiced law, served on the San Diego City Council and served as director of the California Conservation Corps in Sacramento.
He was also deputy director of the Maryland Job Corp Centers, where he administered and managed a statewide career and youth development program.
Pratt is married to Francine Pratt.
Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Wes Pratt, pillar of Springfield community, to retire from Missouri State
