Office of University Communications
Missouri State prepares to implement largest IT project ever
Date: December 1, 2006
Contact: Dr. Michael T. Nietzel
(417) 836-8500
The ERP system will update and integrate most of the university’s information technology functions, most notably budgeting, payroll and accounting; human resources; student information; alumni and development; and student financial aid. When fully implemented, the new system will allow Missouri State to operate and provide services more efficiently.
Missouri State University President Michael T. Nietzel will recommend an implementation plan to the Board of Governors at the Dec. 15 meeting. Included in the recommendation will be the proposed vendor for the system, based on a competitive bid process that included extensive campus review and input, as well as the naming of an on-campus project director who will manage the change over the three-year implementation, which is anticipated to begin in January 2007.
“Up to this point in history,” said Nietzel, “the university has operated with ‘home-grown’ computer information systems designed and developed by its own staff. While the systems have been very good and served the institution well, we believe moving to this more standardized, integrated system will better serve us into the 21st century. From conception to implementation, this will be a major change for the university, both in terms of business practices and in culture. I think we are up to the task.”
At the Board meeting, Nietzel will recommend that Kent Thomas, chancellor of the West Plains Campus since September 2001, be assigned the duties of on-campus project director for the ERP. Prior to being named chancellor at West Plains, Thomas served as vice president for administrative services on the Springfield Campus from 1998-2001.
Nietzel will also recommend that Dennis Lancaster, currently assistant to the chancellor/instructor at West Plains, be named the acting chancellor. A search committee for a permanent chancellor is being formed, with Dr. Jim Baker, vice president for research and economic development, serving as chair. Nietzel hopes to have a new chancellor in place by the fall of 2007.
“I am pleased that Kent Thomas has agreed to accept this important responsibility,” said Nietzel. “He will do a terrific job with a project that will have a significant impact on the future of Missouri State University. I look forward to working with Dennis as acting chancellor until the search is completed. I believe we have a good plan to recommend to the Board.”
Thomas was named vice president for administrative services in August 1998 following a 24-year career in the U.S. Army. In August 1998, he retired as a colonel. Shortly thereafter, he accepted the position at Missouri State as vice president for administrative services.
Thomas received a Bachelor of Science in international relations from Georgetown University in 1974; a Master of Science in industrial relations (human resources, business and marketing) from Purdue University in 1983; and a Master of Military Arts and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1988.
Lancaster joined the West Plains Campus staff in 1992. From 1992-97, he served as assistant director of university communications and lecturer. From 1997-2001, he was special projects coordinator. Lancaster has served as director of the William and Virginia Darr Honors Program since 1998. He has served as assistant to the chancellor since 2001.
Lancaster received his Bachelor of Arts in English and philosophy in 1984 from Drury University. In December 1996, he received his Master of Arts in journalism with emphases in political communication and media ethics from the University of Missouri-Columbia.