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University of Missouri Facts (PDF 8.4 MB)
University of Missouri President Elson S. Floyd was introduced on Wednesday, Dec. 13, in Pullman, Wash., as the next president of Washington State University. He was hired as president of the University of Missouri's four-campus system on Nov. 11, 2002, and took office the following January.
In a letter to members of the University of Missouri community, Floyd wrote: "I remain exceptionally proud of our four campuses, University of Missouri Health Care and the central administration for providing unparalleled service, quality and excellence in all that we do. I leave the University in the capable hands of the finest collection of chancellors in the country, and a CEO of University of Missouri Health Care who understands financial sustainability and excellence in patient care."
During his tenure at the University of Missouri, Floyd guided the institution through a period of unprecedented state appropriations cuts and recent state reinvestment, all without compromising the University's commitment to excellence. He also implemented a plan to reduce system-wide administrative expenditures by $20 million, far exceeding the 10 percent goal. Resources identified by this initiative were reinvested in scholarships and financial aid, student services and faculty recruitment.
Floyd has had a significant impact on the University's leadership team, having appointed four new chancellors. The University also added a fourth mission of economic development under his leadership to better link research across the University with emerging and existing firms.
Enrollment growth also reached a record during his tenure, with an all-time high of more than 63,000 students in 2006. With a focus on access, affordability, and accountability, Floyd worked to create scholarships for students, including an endowed scholarship program for the neediest students and a new program for those investing through Missouri's 529 College Savings Plan.
During this past summer, Floyd traveled the state to host candidate forums on UM campuses and to appear jointly with the presidents of Missouri's other public four-year institutions to bring attention to the benefits and needs of higher education.
Among his previous positions before coming to the University of Missouri, Floyd served as executive director of the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board and as executive vice president of Eastern Washington University. He will become the tenth president of Washington State University, a land-grant and research institution with four campuses and more than 23,000 students.
No timetable has yet been set for Floyd's departure. The Board of Curators will begin discussions of the presidential search process during a Jan. 11 meeting.
"We as a Board of Curators will begin a diligent and thorough process to search for a worthy successor to Elson S. Floyd. This will be a smooth transition of leadership. We want a leader who will move us with wisdom and confidence along our path to becoming a great university," said newly-elected board chair Don Walsworth. "The people of Missouri deserve no less."
In a resolution approved by the board at its Dec. 15 meeting, curators commended Floyd and noted that his "service to our University and the people of the State of Missouri is appreciated without reservation."