MSU selects new bookstore director

A veteran bookstore director has been selected to take the reins of the Missouri State University Bookstore.

Effective Jan. 15, Sonda Ropp Reinartz is slated to become director of the bookstore with a starting salary of $78,000. The hire is pending formal approval by the MSU Board of Governors during an upcoming meeting, according to a news release.

Reinartz succeeds Mark Brixey, who resigned Aug. 17 after more than $81,000 in cash was found in his desk. During an internal audit of the bookstore, more than $400,000 was found to be unaccounted for during the past three years. The school turned the matter over to the Springfield Police Department, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Since 2006, Reinartz has served as bookstore manager for Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. She previously worked as bookstore manager at Black Hawk College 1996-2006, Hiram College 1991-94 and Case Western Reserve University 1989-91. She also has experience in bookstore management from University of Iowa at Follett College Stores at George Washington University, The State University of New York-Buffalo and Phoenix College, the release said.

“We were very pleased with the number of experienced and qualified applicants for the bookstore director position,” said Earle Doman, MSU vice president for student affairs, in the release. “Based on her background and campus interviews, Sonda surfaced as our clear choice. Her many references confirmed our evaluation.   

“We are confident that her leadership skills and experience will move our bookstore and affiliate operations forward.”