Department of Higher Education

Jefferson City - Governor Jay Nixon has appointed Douglas R. Kennedy of Poplar Bluff to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

Kennedy, an attorney, is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Memphis Law School.  He said a major motivation for serving on the Coordinating Board for Higher Education is to keep college affordable for students from all income levels.

"When I was a student at Mizzou, tuition was $250 a semester," Kennedy said.  "By working a summer job, students could pay their own way. That's impossible now. Students are taking on huge debts to get a college education."

Kennedy currently has two sons in college. "My wallet is very thin right now," he said. "Fortunately I am able to help my sons, but not all students have that benefit or can scrape together the grants and scholarships to attend college."

Kennedy has been active in scouting and other philanthropic organizations. He also raises cattle and plays bass in a bluegrass band.

Commissioner of Higher Education David Russell said Kennedy's student-centered focus on affordability will be an asset to the Coordinating Board.

"Access to higher education is a key component of the state's big goal of increasing the number of Missourians with a college degree or certificate to 60 percent of the population by 2025," Russell said. "We welcome Mr. Kennedy's able assistance as we strive to serve all students of the state."

Kennedy joins board members Dalton Wright (chair, Conway); Brian Fogle (Springfield); Carolyn Mahoney (Jefferson City); Lowell Kruse (St. Joseph); and Betty Sims (Ladue).