Governor appoints two to Southeast board of regents

Gov. Jay Nixon announced Tuesday two appointments to the Southeast Missouri State University board of regents.

Phillip M. Britt of Kennett, Missouri, and Edward P. Gargas of Dexter, Missouri, will replace regents Daren Todd and Doyle Privett, respectively, whose terms expired Jan. 1.

The functions of the six-member governing board include appointment of the university president, employment of faculty and staff and making budgetary and policy decisions for the university. Appointees are subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.

Britt, a Democrat, has served as the Drug Court Commissioner for the 35th Judicial Circuit since 2002. He formerly was an elected state representative for the 163rd District in the Missouri House.

Britt also served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Dunklin and Pemiscot counties. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southeast and his law degree from the University of Missouri.

Phillip M. Britt

Gargas, a Republican, is the director of operations and sales for Bagby Wealth Management and has been in financial management and insurance positions since 1991. He is a commissioned officer in the Missouri Army National Guard and a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He received his undergraduate degree from Southeast, his master's in business administration from William Woods University and a master's in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Jay Knudtson, president of the board of regents, said he "couldn't be more thrilled" by the appointments.

"Phil Britt had tremendous service in the House of Representatives," Knudtson said. "I'm just really excited about the energy and the experience that he'll bring to the board."

Knudtson also praised Gargas' military background and said he's looking forward to the perspectives Gargas will provide.

"I will say, though, it's a bit melancholy in that we transition many years of great leadership from former president Doyle Privett, along with Daren Todd," he said.

Todd and Privett were appointed to the board by Gov. Nixon in April 2009, and Britt and Gargas' terms are set to end Jan. 1, 2022.

"But in terms of the transition, I'm extremely excited about working together with these two individuals for the betterment of Southeast Missouri State," Knudtson said.

State statute requires any Missouri college governing board not be composed of more than three voting members from the same political party. Members also must live in a 25-county service area.

Knudtson, recalling his own experience, said being appointed to the board of regents by the governor is unlike any process most boards require.

"There's deep background checks, there is an exhaustive review process, and it's ultimately one that Gov. Nixon takes very seriously," he said. "These individuals have been vetted, they have been researched, and I know are thrilled about their appointment, as I was."

klamb@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3639

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