December 15, 2006
Contact: Scott Charton
Office: (573) 882-9724
Cell: (573) 864-9672
Email: chartons@umsystem.edu
The University of Missouri Board of Curators plans to conduct a special meeting in January to discuss the process for selecting a successor to UM President Elson S. Floyd. The meeting has tentatively been set for Jan. 11. A time and location will be announced later.
Don Walsworth, Chair-elect of the Board of Curators, said the Board plans to discuss hiring an executive search firm to assist the Curators in identifying possible successors to President Floyd, who was introduced Dec. 13 as the next President of Washington State University.
"This will be a process in which all of our Curators will be actively engaged. We will work as a unified Board to identify candidates for a great University presidency," Curator Walsworth said. "We have a lot of work to do, and we are excited to undertake this important responsibility."
No timetable for President Floyd's departure has been set. During its Friday meeting, the Board of Curators approved by a 9-0 vote the following resolution, which was proposed by Curator Doug Russell of Lebanon and seconded by Curator Walsworth:
"The Board of Curators admires and respects the service that Dr. Elson S. Floyd has provided to the University of Missouri since that date in January 2003 we were fortunate enough that he assumed the position of President of the University of Missouri. His service to our University and the people of the State of Missouri is appreciated without reservation. We look forward to working with him on a smooth transition during the coming months and prior to his assuming the Presidency of Washington State University. Dr. Floyd has been a valuable spokesperson for the University. We congratulate Washington State University."