FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2006

 

MUW Foundation Chairman Completes Successful Tenure

By Jill D. O’Bryant

 

Connie Kossen, who has served as chairman of the MUW Foundation Board of Directors for four years, is stepping down from her position after a very successful tenure. Dr. Eddie Betcher, a 1988 graduate who serves as an OB-GYN in Columbus and Amory, will begin his 2-year term July 1.

“I have throughly enjoyed working with Mrs. Kossen during her tenure as chairman,” said MUW President Dr. Claudia A. Limbert. “The Foundation has accomplished so much under her leadership, and for that we are truly thankful.”

“She will be greatly missed because of her hard work, her dedication to MUW and her enthusiasm, but I am confident that the Foundation will continue to flourish in the very capable hands of Dr. Betcher.”

One of the major accomplishments of the Foundation in the last four years is giving in FY 2006 totals more than $5 million compared to less than $1 million in FY 2002. The Foundation also has provided a line of credit to assist the university with a cash flow for construction projects pending reimbursement from FEMA.

Other accomplishments include a fully equipped phone center, reworked bylaws and an operating agreement with the university that was approved by the IHL Board of Trustees, but Kossen, who is a 1964 graduate from Edwards, said one of her proudest accomplishments is the new make up of the Foundation Board of Directors.

“I have attempted to make the Board more representational of our alumni,” she said. “This includes diversity of race, gender and class years.”

Although Kossen has completed her time as chairman, she will continue to serve on the Board, something she has done for many years.

“I’m really not going anywhere,” she said. “I’m just stepping down from the leadership role. I have enjoyed my years as chairman, and now it is time for someone else to step in with fresh ideas. I look forward to assisting Dr. Betcher.”

The purpose of the MUW Foundation is to solicit, invest, manage, administer and recognize private gifts which support the education, research and service missions of the university.