Former MSU president dies at 89

Duane Meyer, Missouri State University’s sixth president, died Nov. 22. He was 89.

During Meyer’s 1971-83 tenure, Southwest Missouri State College was renamed Southwest Missouri State University, a change that was over 50 years in the making,  according to an MSU news release.

“President Meyer led our university with grace and humility,” MSU President Clif Smart said in the release. “He oversaw our growth from a regional college to a true university. He is remembered fondly by colleagues and former students.”

As president, Meyer led the school to:
    •    a 62 percent increase in enrollment, making the university the second-largest public institution in Missouri;
    •    establishing KSMU, the campus public radio station;
    •    the construction of three classroom buildings and four residence halls;
    •    the first public-private facility project with the 1976-built Hammons Student Center;
    •    stabilizing its West Plains campus through Missouri legislature-granted state budget eligibility;
    •    transferring the State Fruit Experiment Station in Mountain Grove to MSU; and
    •    adding specialist degrees, associate degrees and a cooperative education program, as well as research and service centers and a grant office for faculty research purposes.

During the time, MSU established its fundraising arm, ending the tradition of naming new buildings after faculty and staff. The Duane G. Meyer Library became the last facility named in honor of a faculty member, according to the release.

In 2012, Meyer received the Life Time Achievement Award from the Greene County Historical Society, and Sen. Roy Blunt recognized him on the U.S. Senate floor.

“Meyer’s leadership and dedication to excellence have reshaped one of the region’s great universities and benefited countless students who have passed through its halls,” Blunt said.

Prior to his leadership role of the university, Meyer served as acting president twice and also was first dean of faculty, according to the release.

According to a Springfield News-Leader report, Meyer’s funeral is scheduled Dec. 12 at the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas.