Direct Admission Partnership

The St. Joseph Catholic Academy recently partnered with Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph to streamline the university’s admissions process for Bishop LeBlond students. The agreement, Direct Admission, is in effect for the current senior class. 

The Direct Admission process means that when a LeBlond student indicates an interest in attending MoWest, they will receive a link to an application that is abbreviated. Once it is returned, a recruiter from the university will reach out and provide support and guidance to the student throughout the admissions process. 

“We are thrilled that our students will have such a seamless opportunity to pursue higher education,” said Kimberly Huss, principal of LeBlond. “This agreement reinforces that their journey of learning and leadership doesn’t end at graduation, and that they can continue to grow right here at home.”

Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, MoWest president, said prospective students have many questions and decisions to make when they are preparing for college, such as their academic path, whether or not to live in a residence hall, what student organizations are available, and how to apply for scholarships and financial aid. The university, she said, will make sure they get the information they need and help them become more prepared and comfortable by their first day of classes.   

“The intent is to make the application process so much easier for Direct Admission students,” Dr. Kennedy said. “We are always opening doors for prospective students, but I envision Direct Admission as opening those doors even wider.” 

Dr. Kennedy noted that MoWest offers a wide variety of academic options for its students, and that the university is a good fit for LeBlond students because of its focus on community service and creating service leaders. Additionally, the Catholic Newman Center is housed across the street from the main campus entrance on Mitchell Ave. 

"We want them to know that their hometown offers an affordable, high quality college experience,” she said. “This partnership reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives,” said Natalie Newville, president of St. Joseph Catholic Academy. “By creating a direct pathway from Bishop LeBlond to Missouri Western, we are giving our graduates every opportunity to continue growing in knowledge, faith, and service.”