COMMITTEE AGREES ON PRESIDENTIAL CREDENTIALS

Southeast Missouri State University's next president should be an educator, lobbyist and fund-raiser.

He or she must have a teaching background, as well as administrative skills that include being able to lobby state lawmakers.

The 24-member presidential search committee decided on those and other qualifications at a luncheon meeting Thursday that lasted almost five hours.

Committee members said they want a strong leader.

Some committee members said the new president could face a campus climate where student morale is low and many faculty members are unhappy about a merit pay system that critics say rewards research at the expense of classroom teaching.

"The morale on campus is really low," said committee member and Southeast graduate Karla Cooper of Kennett.

Dr. Joe Low, a speech professor, said students complain about how they are treated by university employees.

"They don't feel appreciated," he said.

Chris Robertson, Student Government president, said the merit pay issue also affects campus morale.

There is a question as to whether the university wants faculty to do research or teach students in the classroom, he said.

Dr. Robert Webb, Farmington schools superintendent, said Southeast isn't always helpful when it comes to enrolling and serving students.

Al Spradling III, Cape Girardeau's mayor, agreed. Spradling has a son who attends school in Texas.

Spradling said Southeast didn't embrace his son. In contrast, he said, the Texas school has made his son feel welcome.

Committee members said the next president must be committed to ethnic, gender, racial and cultural diversity.

He or she must have an earned doctorate and a demonstrated record as a teacher and scholar.

The new president must have good communication skills, and significant senior level administrative experience and knowledge of higher education.

Committee members also want Southeast's next president to be committed to campus activities, including a strong athletic program.

They want a president who can implement a strategic plan for the university.

Committee members were divided over whether to limit the search to candidates with experience at state-funded colleges.

Spradling argued that the committee shouldn't exclude administrators from private colleges.

But Low said the school needs an administrator who is familiar with the public-school setting.

In the end, the committee said it would consider candidates from both types of colleges.

Committee members and consultant Allan Ostar said the university needs to extend its services in the region better.

He said outreach centers and interactive television might be a way to take university programs to the outlying areas.