Last Friday the Missouri Southern Board of Governors held its monthly meeting in Billingsly Student Center. Among the topics addressed was the Presidential Search Committee.

Former board chairman Richard Walter, whose term recently expired, will serve as the co-chairman of the search committee. Sherry Buchanan will serve as the co-chairwoman. Ten other individuals representing the student body, alumni, community, administration, faculty and staff will join Walter and Buchanan.

The committee is tasked with appointing a president as soon as possible, with a deadline of Nov. 1, 2014.

On Feb. 1, the search committee will hold its first meeting.

The board will set guidelines and requirements for potential candidates. The board will also have the final say on who the president will be.

During the meeting the Board also set prices on tuition for graduate programs in education and accountancy. Lion Pride in-state tuition will be $250 per credit hour, and $375 for out-of-state. These rates will be for the graduate programs which are set to begin this fall. The in-state tuition applies to students in surrounding counties in Kansas, Oklahoma and Illinois as well as to Missouri residents.

In other business, Tracy Flanagan was recently appointed to the board to fill Walter’s vacated seat. Board members honored him by giving him a plaque and recognizing him at the meeting.

“One of the best things I learned about Richard Walter is that he was never afraid to ask the hard questions,” said Lynn Ewing, vice chair.

Walter said, “To the board, the faculty and staff and the administration: I have been blessed to be a part of this and I feel honored to be associated with this University.”