Dr. Alan Marble made the announcement that he would retire as Missouri Southern President at the back-to-school faculty and staff meeting on campus. He plans to retire June 30, 2020.

Marble, 64, cites his one year old grandbaby, Poppy, as motivation to step away and spend more time with family. Some fishing trips and a day on the golf course wouldn’t hurt either.

Coming up on his seventh year at Southern, he has overseen the development of beneficial programs and facilities including new dorms, Nixon Hall, Cub Academy, the Lion Co-op, the phased retirement program, and paid parental leave for parents with biological, adopted, and foster children.

Marble doesn’t credit himself for these accomplishments.

“I’m proud of things that happened here, but not because I did them,” said Marble. “It’s because all of the great people here did wonderful things.”

According to Marble, the people at Southern have had a positive impact on his life, including the faculty and student senate, President’s cabinet, the Board of Governors, and others.

“It’s been a great time and I’ve enjoyed working with the faculty and staff and students so much,” said Marble.

There was one goal that he wanted to achieve before he could make the step toward retirement: re-accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

“The faculty, staff, and student body helped us blow through that in great shape,” said Marble.

Looking back at his diploma from what used to be Missouri Southern State College, Marble has reflected on how this university has changed over time. One of the big differences that stands out is how much more diverse Southern is today.

24 countries are represented this year. According to Marble, this is something to be proud of.

“In the past it used to be a few counties in Missouri,” said Marble. “We have a much greater reach across the country, and frankly around the world.”

“Our diversity has changed dramatically over the years.”

Terry Marion, management professor, and Dr. Conrad Gubera, sociology professor were here when Marble was a student at Southern.

“Both of them had an impact on me as a student, mentors through the years, and now great colleagues,” said Marble.

Just because Marble is stepping away from the President’s duties, doesn’t mean he won’t be around supporting students.

“I‘ll be at the games and I’ll come to the music performances which, by the way, are always awesome,” said Marble. “I’ll be around. I just won’t be working every day.”