Officers of the University

G1.03 Officers of the University

Consistent with Article X, Section 3 of Bylaws of the Board of Governors, the president is the chief executive officer of the university, and is responsible to the Board of Governors for the administration of all policies adopted by the Board, the execution of all acts of the Board, and the day-to-day management of the university and its operations.

The president shall have the authority and discretion to create an administrative structure for the operation of the university, and to select and appoint university officers (e.g., the Provost, Vice Presidents, etc.) as they deem necessary and appropriate, subject to final approval by the Board of Governors.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in addition to the president, the following officers shall be permanently included in the university’s administrative structure, and shall have ultimate reporting responsibility to the Board of Governors:

General counsel

The general counsel provides legal advice and consultation to the Board of Governors, university president, the administration and faculty and represents the university system before university system hearing bodies as well as administrative and judicial bodies of the United States, the State of Missouri, Greene County, and Springfield. The general counsel reviews and recommends institutional policies and procedures, reviews and prepares contracts and other legal documents, and provides legal opinions to university committees and councils as directed by the Board of Governors or the university president. The general counsel represents and is ultimately answerable to the Board of Governors, but reports to the president on a day-to-day basis.

Director of internal audit and risk management

The director of internal audit and risk management shall be appointed by, serve at the pleasure of, and be responsible to the Board of Governors for administering the internal audit activity of the university by directing audits of academic and administrative departments and activities and by developing a comprehensive, practical program of audit coverage for the university. The director of internal audit and risk management shall report not less than twice annually to the Board’s Risk Management and Audit Committee and not less than once annually to the full Board. The director of internal audit and risk management also oversees operational risk management, coordinates compliance efforts throughout the university, and investigates compliance lapses and allegations of wrongdoing. The director of internal audit and risk management is ultimately answerable to the Board of Governors, but reports to the president on a day-to-day basis.

Secretary to the Board of Governors

The secretary to the Board of Governors shall be appointed by and works directly for and with the Board of Governors in performing operating and administrative details and functions that require a thorough knowledge of university policies, procedures, and operations. The secretary has frequent contact with members of the Board, and regularly interacts with other members of the university’s administrative team, public and private officials, and the media. The secretary coordinates activities with major subordinate administrative units of the university. The secretary is ultimately answerable to the Board of Governors, but reports to the president on a day-to-day basis.