UM Board of Curators member resigns

A member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators announced his resignation Monday morning.

David Steward of St. Louis says his decision to quit the board is due to personal reasons. Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Steward in 2011. His term wasn’t set to expire until January 1, 2017.

“Current demands on curators makes it, can make it difficult for people to serve. These are very successful people with lives outside their service on the board,” said John Fougere, UM chief communications officer.

Steward is the second board member to resign in less than a week. Curator Yvonne Sparks, also from St. Louis, resigned Wednesday.

“We’ll miss having them. They’re all great to have on the board, but again, we have to move forward with who we have and continue to move the university forward,” said Fougere.

Steward’s resignation is effective immediately. The governor may appoint a replacement to fill the remaining portion of his term.

ABC 17 News reached out to Gov. Nixon for a statement on Steward’s resignation.

Nixon said: “As the chairman and founder of one of America’s largest and most well-respected companies, David Steward has brought a unique and valuable perspective to the Board of Curators over the past five years. I thank him for his distinguished service and look forward to appointing another strong and dedicated leader to represent the Second District on the Board.”

While on the board, Steward served as chairman of the academic, student and external affairs committee. He also served on the audit and compensation and human resources committees.

Steward is chairman and founder of World Wide Technology in St. Louis, a systems integrator that provides technology products, services and supply chain solutions.

The board of curators is the governing body of the University of Missouri. It consists of nine governor-appointed members who serve six-year terms.