Missouri State Bear POWER

08/14/2026

Cohort #8 attended SOAR yesterday! Let's have a great first semester!

08/03/2026

Reminder - We're Hiring!

Come join the Bear POWER team as a Program Assistant helping support the program and students. While the position is listed as part-time, there is an opportunity to work up to 35 hours per week.

In this role, you’ll:
* Support students in academics, independent living, employment, and social engagement
* Help recruit future Bear POWER students by representing the program at transition fairs and community events
* Build partnerships across campus and the community
* Make a meaningful impact in the lives of students every day

If you’re passionate about inclusion, higher education, and empowering students to reach their goals, apply today!

https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/87317

The Bear POWER Program Assistant assists with the coordination of direct support provided to students in the Bear POWER program, an inclusive college program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities created to offer a post-secondary education opportunity for students that hav...

07/17/2026

We’re Hiring! Join the Bear POWER Team at MSU!

Do you have a passion for supporting college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they pursue their college education? We’re looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic individual to help students thrive both on campus and in the community.

In this role, you’ll:

* Support students in academics, independent living, employment, and social engagement
* Help recruit future Bear POWER students by representing the program at transition fairs and community events
* Build partnerships across campus and the community
* Make a meaningful impact in the lives of students every day

If you’re passionate about inclusion, higher education, and empowering students to reach their goals, apply today!

https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/87317

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your networks!

The Bear POWER Program Assistant assists with the coordination of direct support provided to students in the Bear POWER program, an inclusive college program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities created to offer a post-secondary education opportunity for students that hav...

07/16/2026

Please join us in congratulating CW Tillman on his appointment as Interim Director of Bear POWER, effective July 13!

Since joining the Bear POWER team in 2024, CW has been a dedicated advocate for our students, supporting them in the classroom, guiding person-centered planning, building strong campus and community partnerships, mentoring student leaders and graduate assistants, and helping students thrive as they pursue their college and career goals.

CW brings a wealth of experience in disability services, advocacy, vocational support, and program development, along with a deep commitment to inclusive higher education. We are excited for his leadership as Bear POWER continues to grow and expand opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As we celebrate this exciting new chapter, we also want to thank our campus and community partners for their ongoing collaboration and support. Your partnership plays a vital role in creating meaningful opportunities and empowering Bear POWER students to achieve their goals. Together, we are building a more inclusive campus and community.

Congratulations, CW! We look forward to all that's ahead for Bear POWER.

06/26/2026

The Arc of the Ozarks :D
Special Ed, Leadership & Professional Studies College of Education at Missouri State University

Great Lakes Postsecondary Education Alliance MIPSA/GLIPSEA CBI Speaker Spotligt!
Meet
Clay McGranahan

Vice President of Residential Services
The Arc of the Ozarks

Clay McGranahan serves as Vice President of Program Services for The Arc of the Ozarks, one
of Missouri’s largest providers of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. The organization delivers support through Medicaid, insurance, and government-
funded programs, with primary operations in Springfield and regional divisions in Kansas City,
Joplin, St. Charles, and Monett.
His session is titled: Employment: Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Partnerships
There's still time to register!
https://ipse.memberclicks.net/26mipsaglipsea

06/26/2026

06/26/2026

Great Lakes Postsecondary Education Alliance
CBI Employment panel discussion facilitated by Erika Campolito. Featuring Reesha Adamson, Kelly Cartner, Steven Coffman, Ty Coleman, Betty Glasgow, Alex Price, John Russell, and Josh Tomlinson

06/24/2026

Dr. April Phillips and Dr. Chris Craig presented “Multi-perspective Look At Success For Students With Intellectual Disabilities” at Missouri DESE’s Postsecondary Transition Training Institute (PTTI) today in Columbia, MO. We had a lot of attendees who had great questions and conversation.
College of Education at Missouri State University Special Ed, Leadership & Professional Studies MIPSA - Midwest Inclusive Post Secondary Alliance

06/18/2026

We are so proud of our Bear POWER team member, Caroline, for getting to the next stage of her professional journey! Caroline is a Bear POWER tutor and this summer, she has been a GA who supports students starting this fall. Caroline is getting her doctorate degree in physical therapy! We are so proud of you! 👏🏻 🐻 MSU College of Education Abilities First Special Ed, Leadership & Professional Studies MIPSA - Midwest Inclusive Post Secondary Alliance Inclusive Postsecondary Education Association

06/01/2026

This conference will be very beneficial to inclusive post-secondary program staff, support agencies, and transition coordinators/educators. Registration is only $75 for non-IPSE Association members, $50 for IPSE Association members.
June 29 11:00-4:00
June 30 9:00-1:00

Speakers:
Arc of the Ozarks
Brian Campbell (UI REACH) -
Alumni Engagement
Megan Mulvihill -
Charting The Life Course
Special Olympics
Employment Panel
Mary Harden (MIPSA) -
Social Work Practicum Students
Student Panel (current and graduates from programs)

Sponsored by:
The Arc of the Ozarks Mid-Missouri Bank Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar

Registration:
https://ipse.memberclicks.net/26mipsaglipsea

College of Education at Missouri State University Inclusive Postsecondary Education Association Abilities First Special Ed, Leadership & Professional Studies MIPSA - Midwest Inclusive Post Secondary Alliance