MSU prepares for $12.5M IT project

Installation and full implementation of the $12.5 million Enterprise Resource Planning computer information system will take three years. It is expected to launch in January.

University President Michael T. Nietzel will take the first step by presenting an implementation plan at the school’s Dec. 15 Board of Governors meeting.

The ERP system will update and integrate most of the university’s information technology functions, most notably budgeting, payroll and accounting; human resources; student information; alumni and development; and student financial aid.

“The university has operated with home-grown computer information systems designed and developed by its own staff,” Nietzel said in a news release. “While the systems have been very good and served the institution well, we believe moving to this more standardized, integrated system will better serve us into the 21st century. … This will be a major change for the university, both in terms of business practices and in culture.”

In Nietzel’s plan, the president recommends appointing Kent Thomas, chancellor of the West Plains campus, on-campus project director for the ERP. Nietzel also recommends that Dennis Lancaster, assistant to the chancellor/instructor at West Plains, be named the acting chancellor. A search committee for a permanent chancellor is being formed, with Jim Baker, vice president for research and economic development, serving as chair. Nietzel hopes to have a new chancellor in place by fall 2007.