Political figures a new part of speculation about UM presidency

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri's governing board is looking beyond traditional academic backgrounds to consider a couple of seasoned politicians as it seeks a new president.

Former Gov. Roger Wilson and Attorney General Jay Nixon, both Democrats, are among at least a dozen presidential possibilities before the Board of Curators, sources familiar with the search told The Associated Press on Monday.

Manuel Pacheco, president of the university since 1997, plans to retire next year from the $260,000-a-year post.

Wilson told the AP he has not applied for the presidency but has been encouraged by many people to consider the job.

"I love the state of Missouri, and I love the University of Missouri, and I am always going to help in whatever capacity I can be helpful," he said.

"But any speculation is just that, speculation, and I want to let the curators take care of the very serious job they have to do."

Wilson, 53, served as governor for about three months in late 2000 and early 2001 after the death of Gov. Mel Carnahan in a plane crash. He now works for a St. Louis-based investment company.

He had served almost eight years as Carnahan's lieutenant governor and previously spent 13 years as state senator from Columbia -- home of the university's flagship campus, where Wilson received a master's degree.

Nixon, 46, didn't respond to multiple requests for an interview Monday. Spokesman Chuck Hatfield said Nixon had no comment about the university presidency.

The AP's sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said lobbying of the curators was under way to boost Nixon.