REGENTS SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED IN PARTICIPATION

The challenges facing higher education, both academic and fiscal, are numerous and complex. While strong leadership is critical to meeting these challenges so is a diversity of minds, backgrounds and opinions. At Southeast Missouri State University, the Board of Regents can play an important and active role in bolstering not only this institution but the region and higher education generally. We disagree with a proposed move that would limit the regents' opportunities to contribute to this process.

Southeast President Kala Stroup has suggested a schedule that calls for only 11 regents meetings over the next two years, with other gatherings to be arranged as necessary. This is a vastly trimmed itinerary; in the past, regents have assembled on a monthly basis during the academic year, less frequently in the summer. Some regents last week properly balked at the idea of cutting short the schedule at a time when there are many pressing items of business. Board President Carl Ben Bidewell said more meetings are necessary to "do a decent job," the appeal of a man anxious and duty-bound to take part in problem-solving.

It is perhaps revealing that another regent seeking more participation was Lynn Dempster, named to the board in March but attending only her first meeting two months after the appointment.

While some might mock the political nature of regent appointments, it is a fact the people named to these positions are capable individuals with a genuine interest in enhancing the well being of higher education. These regents are of the university's service area and have an abiding concern for the future of the institution. They should be allowed indeed, should demand to be partners in decision making. There are too many important things to be done to cast aside these abilities.