Dickerson resigns as regents leader

Don Dickerson, the longest-serving member on the current Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents, announced Saturday he is stepping down as board president. Dickerson has served on the board since 1993. He became board president in 1996.

Dickerson said he intended to stay on the board, but he felt it was time to pass the presidency on.

"This has been a tremendous learning experience and I'm very proud of all we've accomplished," said Dickerson, a Cape Girardeau lawyer. "I see bigger and better things on the horizon, and I think it's time for some new blood."

Sandra Moore of St. Louis also announced her resignation as vice president of the board. Moore is president of Urban Strategies, a not-for-profit corporation that develops comprehensive revitalization plans and sustainable implementation systems for distressed urban core communities. She was appointed to the board in 2000 and was elected vice president in 2003.

Both Dickerson's and Moore's terms on the board expire Jan. 1, 2005.

Whether Dickerson or Moore will be able to stay on the board depends on Republican governor-elect Matt Blunt. Even though a regent's term expires, a regent continues to serve until the governor appoints a replacement. Both Dickerson and Moore were appointed by Democratic governors.

In an open session nomination, John Tlapek of Cape Girardeau was voted to be the new board president. Tlapek was originally appointed to the board by the late governor Mel Carnahan in 1998 and was reappointed in 2001.

"To follow Dickerson is an honor," Tlapek said. "If the measure of a man is determined by his service to others, then I am going to have some pretty big shoes to fill."

Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins extended his thanks to Dickerson as well.

"The relationship of the president of the university and the president of the board of regents is very important," he said. Dobbins felt their relationship had been a very successful one.

Brad Bedell of Sikeston, Mo., was named the new vice president. He was appointed for a six-year term to the board, which will expire Jan. 1, 2007.

Street issues

Also on today's agenda was a discussion of the proposed improvements to the Houck Stadium parking area and enhancement of the Broadway/Henderson Street campus entrance. Dr. Dennis Holt presented drawings showing a proposal for the revamping of the campus entrance, increased parking and improvements to the facade of Houck Stadium. Tom Hadler, architect and engineer with the university facilities management explained the new proposals.

"We're not saying this is the way it should look, it's just one option," he told the board.

One of the proposals included a stucco facade to the stadium. He said it "celebrates the overall architecture of the building." The cost of the stucco facade was not included in the budget for the first phase of construction, Dobbins pointed out.

"We have to get the parking done before school starts in the fall," he said. Other considerations would have to come later.

Other board business included:

Acceptance of annual financial reports

Approval of resolution of honor for 2004-2005 Ohio Valley Conference Scholar Athlete Award winners, soccer player Jennifer Cross and track athlete Brian Whitehead.

Approval of conferring of degrees for 2004 fall commencement.

Reappointment of SwayneByrd as a representative of Southeast Missouri State University to serve on the River Campus Board of Managers, with a term expiration of Dec.1, 2007.

Reappointment of Dr. Ivy Locke as a representative of Southeast Missouri State University to serve on the Show Me Center Board of Managers.

Reports by student government president Dane Huxel and student representative to the board of regents, India Jeffery.