David Russell named higher ed commissioner

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A former administrator at the University of Missouri has been named chief of the Missouri Department of Higher Education. David Russell has been serving as interim higher education commissioner since July. The Coordinating Board for Higher Education decided Thursday to make his position permanent.

Russell worked in the University of Missouri system for 19 years, most recently as the senior associate vice president and chief of staff. Before that, he served 22 years in the Army, retiring in 1991 as a lieutenant colonel.

Russell, of Columbia, agreed to a five-year commitment as higher education commissioner. He replaces Robert Stein, who retired July 1.