University president Dobbins awarded contract through 2012

Dr. Ken Dobbins will remain president of Southeast Missouri State University through 2012 under a contract approved by the board of regents Wednesday.

His salary was increased from $165,000 to $174,109 and his annuity from $20,000 to $25,000. The average compensation of presidents at similar Missouri public universities is about $214,000, according to a university news release.

Dobbins, who holds accounting and MBA degrees, served as the vice president for finance and administration from 1991 to 1993 and executive vice president from 1993 until 1999, when he was appointed president.

As president, Dobbins worked with the Missouri Congressional delegation on federal funding initiatives and completed the university's strategic plan. The $50 million River Campus opened this year, with $13 million in funding coming from private donations.

Other completed buildings during Dobbin's tenure include the 300-bed Vandiver Hall, an aquatic center, a second student recreation center, two parking facilities, offices for student organizations in a Center for Student Involvement and additional athletics fields.

Board president Brad Bedell, of Sikeston, cited the completion of the Seabaugh Polytechnic Building, a record enrollment of 10,655 students and the establishment of the University research village and Innovation Center as factors in the board's decision to renew Dobbin's contract.

"Since taking office Dr. Dobbins has led the university through the completion of our strategic plan, including some major achievements, despite some serious financial challenges in recent years," Bedell said in a news release.

Dobbins is the university's 17th president.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

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