After more than 15 years of service on Missouri Southern’s Board of Governors, Glenn Wilson is now ready to say “goodbye.”

“I think it was time for me to go,” Wilson said. “Having new people on the Board will be very helpful.”

Wilson was first appointed a Board position in 1978. He’s worked with all three of Southern’s presidents. Wilson said he’s worked hard to establish the University as a quality institution. One of his main goals has always been to try to keep tuition affordable for students.

“I felt that if I was on the Board we could keep the cost low and keep the University affordable to local people,” Wilson said. “I’d like for every person in the area to get a college education.”

April 15 was Wilson’s last Board meeting. Although there was plenty of business to take care of, the meeting was still packed full of emotions.

“I wanted to thank the people and the administration for what we’ve been able to accomplish,” he said.

While Wilson served on the Board, he said the biggest challenge for him was to see the transition from a state college to a university. It took several years, but he said he was glad to see it happen.

“The big challenge was getting the status that we deserved,” Wilson said.

Dr. Charles McGinty, Board president, said he’s enjoyed the time he’s had working with Wilson. McGinty and Wilson almost always sat next to each other at all of the Board meetings.

“The wisdom that he had to share was his strong suit,” McGinty said. “He’s just a great guy.”

McGinty said he’s been impressed with Wilson and all the dedication he’s brought to Southern and the surrounding communities.

“He’s dedicated a great part of his adult life with helping higher education,” McGinty said.

Now that Wilson no longer has a seat on the Board, he said he hopes a better variety of people from around the state will serve on the Board.

“This will give the Board more diversity,” Wilson said.

Wilson said if there’s any advice he would give to future Board members it would probably have to be for them to be patient.

“Being on the Board takes time,” Wilson said. “I hope the people who get appointed will be able to give the time that’s necessary and help it grow.”