University of Missouri system president, Elson Floyd, has completed his first day on the job in Columbia. Monday began the official tenure of Floyd, who was hired away from the presidency of Western Michigan University to guide the four-campus system. Floyd takes the job at a time the university is facing major budget problems, a lawsuit that could cost the school $400 Million, and increasing pressure to hike tuition again. Floyd had been President of Western Michigan University for four years. He is the first African-American president of the University of Missouri. Though Floyd began officially Monday, he had already been in the state last week, speaking with various public officials about the role of the university in helping Missouri move forward. Foremost on his mind is the threat to the university budget due to declining state revenue.



Missourinet