New curator brings enthusiasm, experience

Haggard brings background in nursing to her new position.

By Michael Sewall

Published March 6, 2007

After facing ideological concerns in the state Senate, newly appointed curator Judith Haggard is determined to bring her broad experience to the UM system Board of Curators.

Gov. Matt Blunt appointed Haggard in January, but controversy arose in the Senate about Haggard's political ideology. Although she said she is a Democrat, reports have shown her supporting former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, R-Mo., through donations in November.

Despite these concerns, the Senate confirmed Haggard's nomination on Jan. 24, just in time for the board's first official meeting of the year.

"She is a delight to work with," UM system spokesman Scott Charton said. "She's no stranger to involvement with the University of Missouri."

Judith and her husband, David, both graduated from MU in 1967. Judith received a bachelor's degree in nursing and David received a degree in agriculture.

Both of her children attended MU as well. Her daughter, Claire, majored in psychology and now works in the GE Nuclear public relations. Her son Trent was an agriculture major who now works in Wisconsin and is in charge of cotton-picking machines.

Haggard also received a master's degree in nursing from UM-St. Louis in 1989.

"Because of her diverse background and personal experience in health care, curator Haggard brings experience and empathy to the university," Charton said.

Haggard built a diverse background through jobs at hospitals and research schools. When she and her husband moved to the Bootheel, the part of southeast Missouri that extends into Arkansas, she worked as a school nurse and teacher at Kennett High School.

"She's a nurse by profession," UM system president Elson Floyd said. "She's had strong associations primarily with the nursing school here."

When she had her two children, Haggard moved to volunteer work, but she eventually went back to work in mental health as an alcohol and drug counselor.

She has served as the director of community services, a clinical therapist at the Family Counseling Center in Kennett and a board member of the State Alcohol Council.

Haggard is now an examiner for the Missouri Substance Abuse Board in which she looks to improve the well-being of Missouri residents and decrease substance abuse in the state.

Haggard said drug use and binge drinking on college campuses could affect many people in a terrible way.

"I see it as probably the No. 1 mental health problem," she said. "It's everywhere, and it ruins families and lives."

Haggard said her job as a curator is about serving the people of Missouri and that her background would be beneficial: "I think we all take whatever we have with us to the board."

Haggard not only brings her background in nursing and counseling with her but also adds an element of agriculture to the board.

Her husband David runs a farm in the Bootheel that stretches more than 3,000 acres. He grows mostly row crops such as soybeans and rice. David is also chairman of the Delta Research Center in Portageville. The Delta Center works with the UM system as a part of the university's extension program.

"I've been here 46 years, and they've always been very involved with the Delta Center and the University of Missouri," Delta Center Superintendent Jake Fischer said.

Haggard said many underinsured and poverty-stricken people live in her area.

"We serve a big population of people that have nothing," she said. "I want the people in our area to be represented at the University of Missouri."

Haggard and Floyd have formed a strong relationship since they met at the Delta Center during a field day, in which Floyd and the curators come to learn about new research.

"I happened to get to sit with him, and we talked about family and religion and values," Haggard said. "I'm sad he's leaving the university."

Floyd said she will make a fabulous curator.

Haggard spoke with Blunt to seek advice for her new job.

"He told me to be frugal and always think about the taxpayers' money," she said.

Haggard said part of her mission is to offer affordable education to the state's citizens that will provide them with the tools to be well-educated and become contributing members to Missouri's society.

"I'm looking forward to working every day and to keep reading and learning to be the best I can be," she said.