Chuck Surface was appointed to the Missouri Southern Board of Governors in August. He was appointed to the board again this month.

Surface’s original appointment was overlooked during a special session by the Missouri Senate, causing the original appointment to be withdrawn. Gov. Jay Nixon has reappointed Surface to that board, and he expects to be confirmed in January.

“They called and told me that’s what they were doing, that as soon as the session was over, I’d be reappointed, and that’s exactly what happened,” Surface said.

Surface, a Southern graduate, will be taking the seat vacated by Charles McGinty. He said he’s coming into the position with no specific goals in mind. 

He said he’s simply here to do what he can to help the University.

“It’s one of those things where people go in and say, ‘Here’s what I need to change’ or typically one issue people,” he said. 

“I’m here to help Missouri Southern in any way that I can. I’m with eight other people on the Board of Governors, and they all bring experience to the table.”

Surface brings quite a bit of experience of his own.

The former Outstanding Alumnus award winner has worked in several positions that could help him in his position with the Board.

He’s been involved in several non-profit organizations in the area and has worked in government in several capacities.

Surface served for 18 years in the Missouri General Assembly from 1984 to 2002, representing both the 128th and 129th districts.

From 2003 to 2006, he served as Jasper County’s presiding commissioner and on the Joplin City Council.

Since 2007, Surface has been the Director of Economic Development for Webb City.

“I’ve been a CEO of a county, basically, which means you have budget experience and things like this,” he said. “Issues coming up with the legislature concerning things you can and can’t do, so I’m very familiar with the legislative process also. 

“Those experiences may be of great assistance as far as the Board of Governors.”

Surface will sit in on board meetings and vote until his confirmation in January.

His term on the board will expire on Aug. 30, 2016.

The Board of Governors will hold its November meeting this afternoon at 1 p.m. in room 310 in the Billingsly Student Center.

Topics of discussion for the meeting include the final shared governance document and consideration of various proposals.

Appointments, retirements, and resignations will also be discussed.

This will be the last meeting for the Fall 2011 semester as no meeting is scheduled for December. 

The Board of Governors will meet again on Jan. 20, 2012.