Continental Breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m.
$15 Chamber members / $25 general admission
Featuring: David R. Russell, Ph.D., Missouri Commissioner of Higher Education
and Lowell Kruse, Senior Fellow, Healthy Communities for Heartland Foundation
David R. Russell became commissioner of higher education for the state of Missouri in July 2010, following a 19-year career with the University of Missouri System, where he served as director of university relations, senior associate vice president and chief of staff.
As commissioner, Russell provides overall leadership for a state system of higher education that serves approximately 400,000 students through 13 public four-year and 19 public two-year institutions, one two-year technical college, 25 independent colleges and universities and 150 proprietary and private career schools.
Under Russell’s direction, the Department of Higher Education has adopted policies and initiatives in the areas of student retention, time-to-degree and degree completion that have raised the national profile of Missouri higher education. He has focused state resources on such goals as eliminating barriers to college completion for Missouri’s students, making a college education attainable and affordable and promoting career pathways in such high demand areas as the sciences, education and the health professions. He also has challenged the state’s colleges and universities to work closely with public school districts to create seamless transitions from high school to postsecondary education that will ultimately contribute to student success.
Prior to his tenure at the University of Missouri, Russell served in the United States Army as a commissioned officer, retiring in 1991 as a lieutenant colonel after a 22-year career, including assignments in infantry, personnel management and public affairs. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal for Valor and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Russell holds a B.S. degree in education from Henderson State University, Arkansas; an M.A. in communications from The American University in Washington, D.C., and a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Lowell Kruse was nominated to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education by Governor Bob Holden on January 3, 2003. He was reappointed by Governor Jay Nixon on February 25, 2009. Kruse retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Health in St. Joseph Missouri, a position he held for 25 years. He currently serves as Senior Fellow - Healthy Communities for Heartland Foundation. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Excellence in Missouri Foundation and co-chairs the Missouri Family and Community Trust Board of Directors. Kruse earned a bachelor's degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and a master's degree from the University of Minnesota.
The Governor has appointed Kruse for a term ending June 27, 2015.
St. Joe Rising is a quarterly event that features issues, questions and responses involving social, economic, legislative, governmental and corporate activities.
Please note:
Reservations are required by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4.
Reservations must be canceled 24 hours in advance to avoid charges.
Directions: