UMKC interim chancellor is named

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- The University of Missouri has named Leo Morton interim chancellor of the university's Kansas City campus while a search team finds a permanent replacement for Guy Bailey.

MU system president Gary Forsee on Monday announced the appointment of Morton, who begins his duties Aug. 1. Morton chairs the UMKC Board of Trustees and until recently, served as senior vice president and chief administrator for Kansas City-based utility Aquila Inc.

A university news release said Morton has been instrumental in strengthening relationships between the board of trustees and the UMKC faculty.

Bailey on July 2 was named president of Texas Tech University after three years in Kansas City.

Morton is not a candidate for the permanent position.