Kennett woman steps down as University of Missouri curator

Judith Haggard of Kennett, Mo., has stepped down as a member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators due to personal reasons that prevent her from fulfilling her term. Her resignation took effect Tuesday.

"It has been an honor to work on behalf of the four campuses of the University of Missouri system," Haggard said. "I am grateful for the privilege to have served the state in this capacity."

Haggard was appointed to the board of curators in 2007 by Gov. Matt Blunt. She served as chairwoman of the curators in 2010 where she advocated for the growth of a systemwide, coordinated effort to expand learning opportunities to new and existing students. She has served as chairs of the Executive; Academic, Student and External Affairs; and Governance, Resources and Planning committees.

"Judy's passion and enthusiasm for higher education will be greatly missed," said current board chair David Bradley of St. Joseph, Mo. "She made it a personal mission to ensure that the University of Missouri remains in the top-tier in both research and education and that our campuses provide an affordable education to the state's citizens so they are equipped with the tools to become contributing members of society. We wish her all the best."

Haggard is a family nurse practitioner at the SEMO Health Network in Kennett and a past examiner for the certification of substance abuse counselors. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her master's degree in nursing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is the founder of the Dunklin County Caring Community Council, a founding member of the parent organization at MU, a member of the MU Alumni Association and an elder in her church. She has received the Community Service Award in recognition of her community work in Kennett.

The board of curators is the governing body of the University of Missouri and consists of nine members who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Curators serve six-year terms. Haggard's term would have expired Jan. 1, 2013. The governor may appoint a replacement to fill the remaining portion of her term.

Pertinent address:

Kennett, Mo.