Missouri College Access Network (MOCAN) Hires New Executive Director

Columbia, MO – April 27, 2020 – The Missouri College Access Network (MOCAN) Board of Directors welcomes the new MOCAN Executive Director, Francine Pratt, who was hired April 20, 2020. Francine Pratt served as the Prosper Springfield Director for the past three years in Springfield, MO with oversight of the city and county goals to reduce poverty and increase postsecondary attainment. Francine’s other professional experience includes serving as Missouri State University’s Executive Director for Multicultural Programs and as an instructor of Introduction to African American Studies for several years. She also served as a corporate project director, a project manager and in several statewide leadership positions in California.

Ms. Pratt was a member of the MOCAN planning committee that was responsible for creating the design, mission, and vision for MOCAN. The planning committee started meeting in June 2018 and later that year, MOCAN formalized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The planning committee nominated board members and Ms. Pratt was selected as the vice chair for the MOCAN board of directors. In February 2020, the first MOCAN Executive Director, Pam Fowler, gave notice. Ms. Pratt stepped down from the board and served as a consultant to lead MOCAN through the strategic planning process. Francine replaces Ms. Fowler, who was hired in September 2019. Ms. Fowler was instrumental in establishing the infrastructure for MOCAN.

Ms. Pratt stated, “I am excited for this opportunity to work with students and stakeholders across the state of Missouri to create an interconnected system that will increase access and success for students with pathways to careers and college. I am very thankful for the insight of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority aka MOHELA, Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation and the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development when they first discussed the concept with the planning committee in June 2018.” The National College Attainment Network has been instrumental in helping MOCAN with its design and strategic focus. For more information about MOCAN, please visit the MOCAN website at www.mocollegeaccess.org. or contact Ms. Pratt at 573-554-4601.

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