SEMO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT SAYS HE WILL STAY

Southeast Missouri State University's executive vice president plans to stay at the school rather than consider a possible job with the University of Missouri system.

Executive vice president Dr. Ken Dobbins has withdrawn his candidacy for the position of vice president of finance and administration for the four-campus University of Missouri system. Dobbins was one of three finalists for the job.

Dobbins oversees Southeast's finance and administration division as the school's chief financial officer.

He said Friday that he decided to stay at Southeast because he wanted to help supervise several building projects and handle new responsibilities associated with the restructuring of the student affairs division. Dr. SueAnn Strom, vice president for student affairs, has resigned. Her resignation takes effect June 30.

Southeast president Dr. Dale Nitzschke has restructured student affairs operations.

Nitzschke said he is glad Dobbins will stay at Southeast. "He is a superb administrator," said Nitzschke.

Under the restructuring plan, Dobbins' duties will be expanded to include supervision of the University Center, dining services, recreational sports and campus residence halls.

He also will supervise the office of Dr. Rob Parrent, associate vice president for enrollment management, as well as most of the units Parrent oversees. Those include admissions, new student programs, the registrar's office, the St. Louis outreach office and testing services.

Dobbins said he wants to stay around for construction of the polytechnic building at Southeast and the Sikeston Higher Education Center. He also said he is looking forward to helping lead efforts to develop St. Vincent's College and Seminary into the university's River Campus, which would house the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

"This is an exciting time at Southeast," he said,

Dobbins said he has enjoyed both the campus and the community. "I think we have an excellent town-and-gown relationship."

He said he likes working under Nitzschke. "Dale and I have a very good working relationship and a personal relationship, and I consider him a valued mentor," Dobbins said.

Dobbins was hired as vice president for finance and administration at Southeast in 1991. He was promoted to executive vice president five years ago. He also serves as treasurer of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation.