State leaders respond to appointment of interim UM President
The University of Missouri Board of Curators announced deputy chancellor Mike Middleton as the new interim UM System President.
Several state leaders responded to the appointment, including Governor Jay Nixon.
“I commend the Board of Curators for selecting Mike Middleton, an accomplished and widely-respected leader who is deeply committed to the university and its students,”Gov. Nixonsaid. “With interim leadership in place, I urge the Board of Curators to select a permanent president through a process that is thoughtful, transparent, inclusive, and efficient. I look forward to working with President Middleton and his permanent successor to continue to improve higher education for the benefit of all Missouri students.”
Senator Kurt Schaefer responded with, “The new interim president has an incredibly difficult task ahead to restore leadership and trust in the MU System that has been lacking.I join all who care about our University’s future in hoping he is successful.”
Attorney General Chris Koster said,”I applaud the choice of Mike Middleton as Interim President of the University of Missouri System. I have known Mike for twenty-five years, from his days teaching me criminal procedure in law school through his service as deputy chancellor emeritus of the Columbia campus.His decades of leadership and familiarity with the University and its student body make him an outstanding choice to guide the institution through this period.”
Senator Claire McCaskill said, “Mike Middleton has been in significant leadership positions at the University for more than 30 years, and is someone that we all know and trust. Combined with the perspective that Hank Foley brings in terms of innovation and research, these changes represent real leadership with the vision to move the University forward, and should come with the support of leaders across Missouri to help make that happen. Now is the time for everyone in the University community to come together and support this strong leadership team.”
