STROUP TO JEFF CITY

Kala Stroup, president of Southeast Missouri State University the past five years, has been named Missouri's new commissioner of higher education. The selection provides Stroup with statewide exposure as the state's top official for colleges and universities.

Southeast Missouri State University can celebrate the fact that a friend of the campus will direct higher education priorities in Jefferson City. As commissioner she will speak for all colleges and universities, but Stroup takes with her special insight about Southeast and the region.

Her departure also will provide a challenge to the university community in terms of finding new leadership. Stroup has served as a university president for almost 13 years, first at Murray State University and then Southeast.

Stroup is the second woman in a little over six months to enter statewide government from Cape Girardeau. The first was Bekki Cook as secretary of state. It is a sign that Cape Girardeau and its people are well respected in Jefferson City.

Wishes of good luck from this area will accompany Stroup to her new position. And the university also will need good fortune in its search for a 15th president.