Forsee's appointment no surprise
Published Dec. 23, 2007
Former Sprint Nextel chief executive Gary Forsee's appointment to the UM system presidency came as no surprise to many in attendance at the official announcement Thursday.
The UM system Board of Curators' unanimous decision to appoint Forsee - called the "world's worst-kept secret" by Interim UM system President Gordon Lamb - had been reported the day prior by several news organizations citing unnamed sources.
Forsee said at the announcement that he had already received many "expressions of support" for his new position.
"Somehow, the word got out," Forsee said. "I can't imagine how that that happens around here."
Forsee, a graduate of UM-Rolla and a member of its Board of Trustees, will begin his tenure Feb. 18. Forsee said Lamb will retain his position as acting president until that time and will then serve as executive vice president of the UM system.
Forsee said he asked Lamb to stay in the position through the end of 2008.
Board of Curators Chairman Don Walsworth said the board had found a "great leader" in Forsee.
"The board believes that Gary Forsee will be a great president," Walsworth said. "We pledge our support to help him lead the university to even greater distinction."
Forsee has never held a position with an academic institution, but he said he is ready to learn.
"I need to go back to school, if you will," Forsee said. "But I am eager, and I have a deep appreciation and respect for what's represented by the academic responsibilities of this university."
Forsee said he has a passion for education.
"Corporate America is about growth," Forsee said. "It's about innovation. I think a lot of those lessons things translate pretty well to academic institutions."
Curator Marion Cairns said Forsee has "paid a lot of attention" to the university, and UM officials will be comfortable with his leadership skills.
Sen. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia, said Forsee's accomplishments in the private sector and his appointment as president have restored confidence in leadership at the university.
"I'm always the one to give everyone a chance," Graham said. "I always give the benefit of the doubt to the new person. I look forward to working with him."
Forsee said he supported the actions taken by Gov. Matt Blunt and state legislators in the past. He praised Blunt's sale of assets from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority to fund capital improvement projects at colleges and universities across the state and said he supports more recent actions, such as the governor's proposed 4.4 percent increase in state funding for higher education in next year's budget.
Forsee stepped down as CEO and chairman of Sprint Nextel earlier this year. A news release stated the company was pursuing new leadership in order to "move the company forward in improving its performance and realizing corporate objectives."
The appointment ends a search that began just over one year prior, when on Dec. 14, 2006, former UM system President Elson Floyd announced his intention to accept a position at Washington State University.