UCM Appoints Roger Best Permanent President of the University

On trend with another regional university, the University of Central Missouri has named its interim president Roger Best permanent president for the university. This news comes a week after Park University appointed its interim provost, Michelle Myers, permanent provost.

“I am extremely honored to be a part of this tremendous institution, and I have deep appreciation for the Board of Governors and their confidence in me,” Best said in a statement. “I have always held my UCM colleagues in high regard and have the utmost confidence in the great work they do. Having observed first-hand the significant impact we have on the students we serve, I am eager to contribute in this new role by serving the faculty and staff and our many stakeholders.”

Best has already had the opportunity to gain the trust of colleagues and students alike through his tenure at UCM. Coming to the University in August 1995, he originally served as an assistant professor of finance, but moved through the ranks, and eventually became the dean of the college in 2010.

In an email, the university notes that filling this position internally without first engaging in a search process is a unique situation, but that it is confident in its choice of Best. 

“While appointing Dr. Best to lead the university, the board understands that UCM has traditionally engaged in a search process to fill presidential vacancies. The board considered past practices and professional search firm options, carefully reviewed the president’s position description, and discussed at length Dr. Best’s strategic goals and vision to move the university forward under his leadership,” the university wrote in the email. “Members of the board recognize this is a rare opportunity to internally fill the president’s position with an individual who is uniquely qualified for the university’s highest administrative position.”