Office of University Communications 

Drew Bennett named new Chancellor at Missouri State-West Plains

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Dr. Drew Bennett has been named the new chancellor for the West Plains Campus of Missouri State University. Bennett, who was selected from four finalists, will begin his new duties on July 1, 2007. Bennett’s selection is subject to approval by the Board of Governors, which next meets June 29.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Bennett has joined us,” said Missouri State President Michael T. Nietzel. “He has excellent credentials, and he has done an extraordinary job of preparing himself for the leadership obligations on behalf of the West Plains campus. I think he will do a terrific job as chancellor for the West Plains Campus.”

Bennett will have a four-year contract with a base salary of $125,000 for 2007-08, in addition to a car allowance and a country club membership. He will live in the Richards House, the chancellor’s residence at West Plains.

Bennett describes himself as “an educator” and “an executive leader.” His style, he says, is “engaging, collaborative and inclusive – a team approach.”        

“My family and I are very excited to be coming to Missouri and joining the West Plains community,” said Bennett. “I was very impressed by the community, the campus and the people. There is a sense of commitment to the welfare of students that I think would be hard to find anywhere else. I look forward to what we can do together in the future.”       

Bennett’s last position was Commandant of the Marine Corps Chair, National War College, National Defense University at Ft. McNair in Washington, D.C. 

Prior to joining the National War College, he spent 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps before retiring this year as a colonel. During his military career, which included a tour as chief of staff of the 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan, he also spent 12 ½ years in the higher education field, serving as a full-time faculty member for 3 ½ years at Texas A & M and two years at the National War College and as an adjunct professor at both the community and four-year college level. Those schools included Blinn College, Central Texas College, George Washington University and Norwich University.

Bennett received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University, a master’s degree in human relations from Golden Gate University, a master’s degree in security strategy at the National War College, and a doctorate in adult and extension education from Texas A&M University.

There were more than 30 applicants from across the country for the chancellor’s position, and after an intensive screening process, the field of applicants was narrowed to four by the search committee. The search committee was headed by Dr. Jim Baker, vice president for research and economic development. Other members of the committee included Diane Basom, executive assistant to the Chancellor; Judy Carr, assistant professor of psychology/sociology; Jerry Trick, assistant professor of mathematics; Sue Ingram, director of computer services; Allison Smith, former member of the Missouri State University Board of Governors; and community members Dr. Marvin Fowler and Mark Garnett.

The search for a new chancellor began in December after former Chancellor Kent Thomas had accepted the position of project director for the installation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning computer information system at the Springfield Campus.