Around the Columns
New system president forsees growth
New MU system President Gary Forsee.
The University of Missouri System welcomed its 22nd president Dec. 20, 2007. Gary Forsee begins work Feb. 18, 2008, replacing Elson Floyd, who left in April 2007 to lead Washington State University. At Forsee’s request, interim System President Gordon Lamb will stay on for a year as executive vice president.
Born in Kansas City, Mo., Forsee graduated in 1972 from Missouri University of Science and Technology [formerly University of Missouri–Rolla] with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
As former chairman and CEO of Sprint Nextel Corp., Forsee said his 35 years of business experience will help him guide the University through growth and competition by embracing innovation. He supports the curators’ resolution on stem cell research. “Missouri is a research university,” Forsee said. “I am a strong supporter of freedom of research.”
Although Forsee received unanimous approval from the Board of Curators, he realizes that winning the trust of students and faculty will take time and work. “I have a lot to learn,” he said. “I need to go back to school.”
