The University of Missouri will soon have one fewer interim administrator. Interim chancellor Hank Foley announced today that Marshall Stewart will take over as vice chancellor of extension and engagement at MU. Stewart is currently at North Carolina State University, where he serves as a special assistant to the dean.
Steve Ball, who headed the search committee that chose Stewart, says the N.C. State graduate was exactly what the committee was looking for: a strong communicator and motivator with plenty of experience.
“Everyone he encountered spoke positively about their interactions with him,” Ball said. “I’m excited for this new era.”
Stewart's hire comes during a turbulent time for the UM system, where the president, chancellor and several other administrators are serving in an interim capacity. Despite this, Stewart says there’s an excellent foundation at MU for growth.
“Every institution, be it in higher education or any other part of the public arena, always has difficult times,” Stewart said, adding that “it’s how you handle them.”
Stewart will officially assume his position on Aug. 15. He says it will take some time to get used to his surroundings, but he’s excited to hash out his priorities.
“The University of Missouri is a great institution,” he said, “and people need to remember that.”