GOODBYE AND HELLO

Dr. Bill Atchley served Southeast Missouri State University admirably in his year as president. It was only fitting that the Board of Regents replaced the title "interim president" and made him the 15th president of the university.

After all, the plain-speaking Cape Girardeau native didn't act like an interim president. He told the board up front not to expect status quo from him, and he delivered on that promise. He built a momentum that should aid Dr. Dale Nitzschke as he takes office this week as the university's 16th president.

Atchley enjoyed people, taking time to talk to staff and community. He even took his traveling desk across campus, putting him in touch with the students he served.

He pushed for a common hour for students, which will be implemented this fall. He was a big backer of night classes and promoted Southeast P.M. He backed increased vocational and technical training for students and much more.

It isn't easy being an interim president. Atchley knew his time on campus was limited, and so did everyone else. But he was no lame duck. The list of university accomplishments under his tenure is lengthy and impressive. Atchley's work should ease the transition of Nitzschke to campus. It isn't as if the university stood still for a year.

Nitzschke seems to be another strong force who will bring his own brand of leadership to campus. We wish him well in his endeavors here. And we bid the Atchleys good luck as they head to South Carolina. It's been a fun year, and the next year promises to be just as momentous.