E-mail announcement from Floyd

Dear faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends, and supporters of the University of Missouri-Columbia:

Today at 3:00 p.m. I will announce my decision to appoint Dr. Brady Deaton to be Chancellor of the University of Missouri-Columbia, effective upon formal approval by the Board of Curators (Oct. 4, 2004). My decision comes after extensive consultations with elected representatives of campus constituencies and numerous individual stakeholders.

I have concluded that Dr. Deaton is the right leader to build on the success the campus is enjoying in many essential areas. He cares deeply for Mizzou, its people and its traditions. He is committed to the University’s historic mission as a public research university with a strong land-grant tradition of service to Missouri and the nation. As an academician he enjoys the respect of his peers and his profession. As an administrator, he knows what it means to plan strategically, manage a budget during tough economic times, and provide quality educational opportunities for our students. He is a nationally recognized leader in higher education and has demonstrated his ability to guide the campus during challenging economic times. I am convinced that his years of experience as an academic leader and administrator will serve him well in the role of chancellor.

This decision is a difficult one for me as President of the University of Missouri. I appreciate fully the desire that some have expressed to have a national search for the next chancellor. I have concluded, however, that we cannot afford to wait for a lengthy search process to run its course. Mizzou needs a strong leader at the helm now, with the authority, latitude and familiarity with the organization to make the critical decisions required to move this University forward. Dr. Brady Deaton is that leader, and I invite you to join me in wishing him every success as he helps Mizzou to achieve new levels of excellence.

With warm regards,

Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D.

President