Gov. Mel Carnahan appointed Cape Girardeau resident John Tlapek to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents on Thursday.

Tlapek, 39, is part owner of Faz West Inc., a restaurant development corporation, and Cape Electrical Supply Inc. He also operates Auto Tire and Parts in Cape Girardeau.

He is a member of the Southeast Missouri State University President's Council, a group whose members are major financial donors to the school.

Tlapek graduated from Southeast in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in management.

Tlapek fills the vacancy created by the death of Donald Harrison in December.

"John's experience on the President's Council will be extremely advantageous as he begins his term on the Board of Regents," Carnahan said in making the appointment.

Tlapek's term will end Jan. 1, 2001.

His father, J.P. "Pat" Tlapek, was president of the Board of Regents in 1990 and 1991. Pat Tlapek served on the board from 1985 to 1991.

Don Dickerson, president of the Board of Regents, welcomed the governor's appointment.

Dickerson said John Tlapek will bring enthusiastic leadership to the board. "He is a very successful and fine young businessman," said Dickerson.

The addition of Tlapek means that the board once again will have two Cape Girardeau members. Dickerson is from Cape Girardeau and Harrison was a resident of the city.

There are six voting members on the board. Dickerson said the board should include two members from Cape Girardeau, which is home to the university.