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Posted on Mon, Nov. 02, 2009 10:33 PM
Missouri State president’s plans to leave surprise board
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Missouri State University’s president said Monday that he would leave his post at the end of next year.
Michael T. Nietzel, 62, who has led the university in Springfield since July 2005, said he was resigning for personal and professional reasons.
Nietzel said he needed a change and the presidency was such a demanding job that he didn’t feel he could continue to perform at the level expected by him or the university.
“We were surprised,” said Brian Hammons, chairman of the board of governors. “We did not expect it at all. The board has had tremendous confidence in Dr. Nietzel throughout his tenure. He has done a tremendous job.”
Hammons said Nietzel helped move the university forward on several fronts.
Nietzel helped develop two cooperative programs with the University of Missouri System: the cooperative engineering program with the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, which started in fall 2008, and the doctor of pharmacy program with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, scheduled to start in fall 2011.
Under Nietzel, Missouri State began a program allowing freshmen to lock in the cost of tuition for two years or prepay for four years, and developed 12 scholarship programs to increase access.
He oversaw more than $125 million in capital projects completed on campus, including the renovation and addition of the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center and planning for the university’s new recreation center.
Nietzel, an Iowa native, said he does not have definite plans after Dec. 31, 2010.
To contact Mará Rose Williams, call 816-234-4419 or send e-mail to mdwilliams@kcstar.com.
Posted on Mon, Nov. 02, 2009 10:33 PM
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