FOSTER WILL LEAVE HIS MARK ON THE UNIVERSITY

In the past quarter century, Southeast Missouri State University has progressed from a teachers college to a comprehensive university. An integral player in that transition has been Robert W. Foster.

This week, the 61-year-old Foster officially retired from the university. His entire 24-year career at Southeast was spent in administration, including a stint as the university's 13th president from 1989-1990. Foster's head for figures and eye for progress will be sorely missed.

But while Foster has retired, he's not ready to sever his ties with the university. It's not surprising that Foster found it hard to turn off that kind of long-term dedication. Beginning later this month, he will begin a part-time job as executive director of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation.

The new job is an apt one. After all, it was Foster who helped establish the fund-raising foundation in 1983. Its success has been nothing short of amazing. The foundation raised $1 million its first year, and now raises about $2.5 million annually. A $25 million capital campaign, publicly launched by the foundation in late 1990, is nearing a successful conclusion.

Through foundation efforts, private giving has touched most every segment of the university. As public dollars grow more scarce, the foundation will continue to grow in importance.

Foster has seen many changes in his university career. He worked under four presidents, beginning with Mark Scully. His year as president spanned the transition between Bill Stacy and Kala Stroup. He provided a much-needed measure of stability to the university and community during those uncertain times. He held the university together and graciously assumed his behind-the-scenes duties when Stroup took over.

Foster not only represented the university well in the region, but did so at the state level as well. He first began accompanying then President Scully to Jefferson City to meet with lawmakers. Over the years, he mastered both the budgetary process and the delicate art of negotiation with statewide officials.

Foster's mark will be left on the university not just as a leader, but as a team player as well. Over the years, he has served as a trouble~shooter, problem solver, organizer and visionary.

Through it all, Foster has held a deep affection for the university.

Even in retirement, there's no doubt where Foster's loyalties rest. His love for the institution is as solid as the fund-raising foundation that he helped found, and one that retirement won't tarnish.