POPLAR BLUFF EDUCATOR SEMO'S NEWEST REGENT

New Southeast Missouri State University Regent Sarah J. Long said she has a lot of learning ahead.

Long, a Poplar Bluff educator and former Southeast student, was sworn in at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon in Cape Girardeau. She was in Jefferson City Wednesday morning for a Senate confirmation hearing.

Long was appointed by Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan to serve a six-year term on the board.

"My first priority is just to gain knowledge," Long said, adding that she is familiar with the College of Education, having three education degrees. But, she said, "I know I have a lot to learn about the university."

Recruiting and retaining students should be a priority, she said, along with fiscal responsibility.

She sees students as customers who should feel good about their education.

"The student should get the most education for his or her dollar while they are here," she said.

Long is the Chapter 1 director and director of early childhood education in the Poplar Bluff public schools. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in elementary administration and supervision, and a specialist's degree in educational administration.

She replaces Ann Dombrowski, whose term expired. Dombrowski said serving on the board "has been a true joy in my life."