Newsmakers 2015: Jay Knudtson

Jay Knudtson has always taught his son about volunteering, and says he's proud that his son knows the importance of community service.

A Cape Girardeau resident for 25 years, the former mayor and local executive vice president and chief lending officer at First Missouri State Bank of Cape Girardeau County has done his share of volunteering -- and then some.

Knudtson -- who is involved in Southeast Missouri State University, the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Club, Noon Lions Club and the SoutheastHEALTH System Board of Directors -- recalls when his son, Gunnar, came with him to various meetings. Volunteering is something he's always been passionate about, and even calls it his biggest hobby.

"We love to golf and be active recreationally, but we don't have a lot of time for hobbies, being so involved in nightly meetings. It's more than just a job; it's my passion," Knudtson says.

Knudtson speaks with sincerity about his volunteer work.

"Community service just became a part of who I was," he says. "Being a banker and part of the community as mayor from 2002 to 2010 -- it was just a tremendous experience."

His most recent achievement, being elected president of the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents, has given him a chance to see both sides of the partnership between the city and the university.

"Education is an extremely complicated process, and such a big part of the fabric of our existence," Knudtson says. "It's been interesting, being on the city side for so long, to serve as president of the board, and it's really opened my eyes and given me a great respect to see what the two have accomplished together."