Office of University Communications 

Missouri State University Board of Governors elects new officers

SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State University’s Board of Governors elected new officers during its regular monthly meeting today (Aug. 1). Michael Duggan, Chesterfield, who served as the Board’s vice chair, was elected chair of the Board, succeeding Mary Sheid, West Plains. Brian Hammons, Stockton, was elected vice chair. Nila Hayes, chief financial officer; and John McAlear, staff emeritus, were elected Board treasurer and secretary, respectively.

“The Missouri State Board of Governors has a long tradition of strong leadership, and certainly Mr. Duggan and Mr. Hammons will continue that tradition,” said Missouri State President Michael T. Nietzel. “We look forward to working with them, just as we enjoyed working with Governor Sheid this past successful year.”

Duggan was first appointed to the Board in 2003, and reappointed in 2005 to serve through Aug. 28, 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State and is vice president of sales for Dot Foods Inc., of St. Louis. He also volunteers his time at Camp Wyman Children's Camp and for Friends of Kids with Cancer.

Hammons is president and CEO of Hammons Products Company located in Stockton. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Missouri State University and a juris doctorate from Southern Methodist University Law School in Texas. Hammons serves on the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors and as president of both the Stockton Community Foundation and the Stockton Community Development Corporation. He previously served on the Stockton Board of Alderman and as city attorney.

Passed and signed into law in 2005, Senate Bill 98, which authorized the name change to Missouri State University, stipulates that the Board of Governors should be comprised of 10 members, nine voting members representing all nine Congressional districts in the state and one non-voting student member. There is currently one vacancy on the Board.