Gov. Bob Holden did not have to look far from Joplin for a new Board of Governors member.

David Ansley, a 1970 graduate from Missouri Southern and an attorney in Springfield, has been named by Holden as the new governor for the Board. Ansley said he received a telephone call and was asked if he would serve if he was confirmed, and he said, “Yes.”

“I’m honored and flattered by the appointment,” Ansley said. “It’s kind of a homecoming for me, because I’m a graduate of Missouri Southern.”

Dr. Charles McGinty, Board president, said Ansley was a good choice for the position left vacant by Glenn Wilson, whose term ended in 2003.

“He is interested in higher education and is interested in serving (on the Board),” McGinty said. “We’re fortunate to have an outstanding member.”

McGinty said the reason Holden went outside of Jasper and Newton Counties to select a new governor is because of new legislation and the fact that there were too many governors from Newton County.

“The legislature opened up the geographic area to find new Board of Governors members,” Ansley said.

Ansley said the choice had to be from the Democratic Party, so the board would be balanced. Since he is a Democrat and an alumnus from the University, he was a good choice.

University President Julio León said Ansley is excited about serving on the Board. León said Ansley is a good choice for two reasons: one, he is an alumnus of Southern and two, that he is from Springfield, which is still close to the campus.

“He must appreciate that (an education at Southern) or understand the value of it,” León said.

“That, by itself, is good for us to have on our board – people who have an appreciation of what this college is all about.”

Ansley has recently been admitted to the American College of Trial Lawyers, which is a membership by invitation-only organization.

The ACTL only accepts the best trial lawyers from the United States and Canada.

Ansley has not been confirmed for the position yet, but he expects the confirmation to come at any time. León said the senator from Springfield must present Ansley to the senate for confirmation.

“In fact, I myself might help to schedule him,” León said.as not been confirmed for the position yet, but he expects the confirmation to come at any time.

León said the senator from Springfield must present Ansley to the Senate for confirmation.

“In fact, I myself might help to schedule him,” León said.