Senate approves Downing to Board of Curators

Don Downing says his seven years at MU changed his life.

By Krissy Tripp

Published April 2, 2009

Don Downing officially took the oath of office Thursday to replace Marion Cairns on the UM system Board of Curators. Downing's term will expire Jan. 1, 2015.

"I look forward to serving the state and the university system," Downing said. "I'm coming in with an open mind and no set agenda."

Downing plans to focus on the UM budget and the funding issues that come with a bad economy.

"I think the university needs to maintain stability in its system," he said.

Student representative to the Board of Curators Tony Luetkemeyer said Downing was appointed to both the audit and the finance committees, which deal with the majority of the budget-related issues.

"I thought the new curator did an excellent job," Luetkemeyer said. "Despite his short time on the board he seems very knowledgeable on the issues we discussed today."

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, who sponsored Downing, said the timing of his approval in the senate worked out for him to be a voting member at the curator's meeting after his oath of office.

"The senate confirmed his appointment this morning and we made it our first matter of business so that he could participate in today's meeting," Senate Majority Caucus spokeswoman Farrah Fite said.

Schmitt said the confirmation hearing in the senate went well.

"I was happy to do it," Schmitt said. "He's a very bright guy. He's had a very distinguished legal career, and he's been very dedicated to the university."

Schmitt said the Senate took it seriously because the curator is such an important position. During the Senate committee's questioning of Downing, he was asked questions about MU basketball coach Mike Anderson's contract and how Downing views UM and its goals.

"The committee just had a couple of questions because he's very qualified," Schmitt said.

After Gov. Jay Nixon's nomination of Downing, Chancellor Brady Deaton also spoke positively about him. Deaton said MU expects Downing to be the sort of curator to understand and support the university.

"We're excited about this appointment and looking forward to working with him," Deaton said.

Downing graduated from MU with a degree in economics in 1979 and graduated from the School of Law in 1982. During his studies at MU, Downing served in the Missouri Students Association and various other organizations. During law school, Downing served as the editor for the Missouri Law Review.

After graduation, Downing continued to serve MU on the Law School Foundation Board of Trustees, the Jefferson Club and the Law Library Campaign Committee.

In addition, Downing serves on the national board of directors for Disciples Benevolent Services, an organization providing social and health services to meet the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of those it serves.

Downing is a partner in the law firm Gray, Ritter and Graham, P.C., in St. Louis. He served as the chief deputy attorney general for Missouri and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Downing was also MU's first homecoming king.