Since Dr. Larry Martin retired after 38 years of service, there has been a hole in Missouri Southern’s administration.

Dr. Betsy Griffin, assistant vice president for academic affairs, has stepped up to fill the position as interim vice president until a replacement can be found.

Griffin was asked to hold the position by University President Julio León.

“I choose her because as assistant vice president, she was familiar with the operations of the office of vice president.”

“We are going to initiate a nationwide search, beginning sometime soon,” he said.

Griffin has been with Southern for 25 years. During that time, she has served on numerous committees and served as head of the psychology department.

“I was aware of most of his (Martin’s) projects, so it just made sense,” Griffin said.

She is welcome to apply for the position full time but has not made any decisions yet.

“We haven’t started advertising for the position yet,” she said. “I won’t be making any firm decisions right away; I will wait until we move a little further into the year.”

Griffin will hold the interim position for one year.

“The idea is to start the search with plenty of time so a person can be on board next fall,” León said.

While Griffin is holding the vice president role, Dr. Beverly Block, business professor, has the position of interim assistant vice president.

Griffin chose her with León’s approval.

Block has been with Southern for 19 years.

“She is a good representative of both the school of business and the committees she has served on,” Griffin said. “She is very knowledgeable and brings a broad range of experience to the position.”

Block is keeping her position in the business department. Her duties have been divided among three instructors: Karen Bradshaw, Susan Koepke and Pam George.

She will be continuing to supervise education students doing student teaching.

“I always think it is a good idea to see all sides of what you are working in,” she said.