POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN NAMED TO COORDINATING BOARD

POPLAR BLUFF - A Poplar Bluff woman has been named to fill a longstanding vacancy on the Coordinating Board for Higher Education from the 8th congressional district.

Appointed to the position by Gov. Mel Carnahan was Mary K. Findley, 53, who returned to college several years ago as a non-traditional student. On Dec. 11, she graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a master's degree in secondary school administration.

She had earlier earned an A.A. degree from Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, and a bachelor's degree in English from Southeast.

Findley was named to a Democratic seat on the board, which has nine members, serving six-year terms and representing each congressional district in Missouri.

No more than five members can be of the same political party.

In announcing the appointment, Carnahan said, "Mary has a proven commitment to education. I'm confident that she will be an outstanding addition to the board."

Findley's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate. Her appointment will be sponsored by Sen. Jerry Howard, D-Dexter.

"I think she will make a good appointment and will do a good job. I would not have recommended her to the governor if I didn't think so," said Howard.

He explained the governor's office was looking for a woman to serve on the board and he offered several to choose from in his district.

"I don't see any problem for confirmation," added Howard.

Findley said she is looking forward to going to work and is "extremely pleased the governor has confidence in my ability to hold this position.

"I am also pleased to be part of policy making during this progressive time of education reform. I think Bill Clinton and Mel Carnahan are serious about education reform and that we will see great leaps in the years ahead."

The 8th district seat was previously held by David Haggard of Kennett, whose term expired June 27, 1992. In the fall of 1992, then Gov. John Ashcroft, a Republican, appointed Charles Kruse of Dexter to the board. But Kruse was never submitted to the Senate for confirmation.

Following the November election, new Gov. Carnahan, a Democrat, withdrew Kruse's appointment to the board. The 8th district seat has been vacant for nearly a year.

Findley has been an English teacher at Poplar Bluff Senior High School and a Vocational Outreach Specialist at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff.

She is a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, the National Association of Teachers of English and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

She is also a member of several local organizations: the Butler County Democratic Women's Club, Butler County Historical Society, Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, and the Poplar Bluff Historical Museum.

Findley is the wife of former State Rep. F.A. Findley of Poplar Bluff, who retired from the House in 1990.

During the last session of the General Assembly, a major effort was put on elementary and secondary education. Findley believes for higher education to be strong, the other levels must also be strong in laying a good foundation.

Said Findley: "It all has to mesh together. Elementary and secondary has to prepare them for higher education. They really have to cooperate and know what each is doing. I feel certain the universities are very concerned about the students and the preparation needed to get the basics and background."

Findley said she believes it is important that the Coordinating Board keep in touch with students in assessing higher education needs.

"Sometimes I feel the perspective of a person that is consuming gets ignored," said Findley. "Probably those are the people we need to be in tune to if we are to meet their needs."

She also believes her perspective from having attended college as a non-traditional student will be an asset to the coordinating board.

Findley is looking forward to meeting with presidents of the colleges and universities in the 8th district and reviewing all the background information that is available. Her first meeting probably will not be until February.

"I just want to keep an open mind. I have lots of background work to do. I have a lot of study and certainly want to meet with the presidents and officials of universities in the district I will be serving. After I do that and attend a meeting of the board, then I can determine where my focus on the board needs to be first."

The Coordinating Board for Higher Education was established in 1972 by a state constitutional amendment. The responsibility of the board is to oversee statewide planning for higher education and libraries; policy analysis; academic program approval and review in the public two year and four year colleges and universities; and preparing budget recommendations for the governor and General Assembly on funding for institutions of higher education.