Dr. Bruce Speck departed Missouri Southern due to a decision of “mutual agreement” according to a statement released by the Board of Governors just before 5:30 p.m. June 17. 

Speck was contacted at his home the evening after the announcement was made and said he was “unavailable right now” for comment. 

Dr. Sherry Buchanan, chairwoman of the Board of Governors, has not returned multiple phone calls made by The Chart.

Richard Walter, vice chairman of the Board of Governors, was contacted the evening of the announcement and forwarded all questions to Buchanan, stating that he was not authorized to speak on the matter and that the BOG would be operating under “one voice,” being the chairwoman.

In the statement released by the board, Buchanan reflected on Speck’s time at Southern. 

“We thank him for the positive initiatives he implemented during his tenure,” said Buchanan in the statement. 

The statement follows a unanimous vote that was cast by the BOG during a closed meeting Friday concerning Speck’s departure.

 Faculty Senate President Joy Dworkin sent an email this morning to all faculty regarding Speck’s departure. The email described a request made that Pat Lipira, Vice President of Academic Affairs, convey this message to the Board of Governors:

 “The Faculty Senate Executive Committee appreciates the leadership recently demonstrated by the Board of Governors and looks forward to working with Southern’s interim president and with the administrative team. The faculty is eager to do its part as we move toward the hiring of a permanent university president.”

“I believe better days are ahead for our institution,” Dworkin added.

More on this story as it develops and information becomes available.