At the most recent board meeting in October 2000, alumni board members, including Boyd Bowden, D.O. (’68), Dean Colwell, D.O.(’71), and Dave Conner, D.O.(’65), were not asked to serve on the board of trustees, as is the usual practice. The entire board of trustees now includes only two past appointments from the KCOM alumni board: Larry Wickles, D.O.(’67) and Eugene Pogerellic, D.O.(’78) Among the new board appointees is the son of the previous chairman of the board, Richard Stefanacci, D.O.(’89). In October 2000, Charles McClain, Ph.D suddenly and unexpectedly resigned from the KCOM board of trustees. Dr. McClain is a nationally prominent educator who, as president, elevated Truman State University to national prominence. Yet another example of losing an individual of quality and distinction with impeccable credentials from our college.
Governance by the current KCOM board of trustees, in our opinion, represents a grave situation for our college, as they are unresponsive to the needs and wishes of their constituents. While turning away and losing highly regarded individuals, the current method of appointing board members exhibits nepotism and is unacceptable. Little regard is given to the alumni board or for a genuine concern for the future of the college. The current president and board of trustees need to examine more closely the mission and goals of KCOM from an alumni perspective. If they cannot be responsive to the needs of students and alumni, qualified individuals who will put the interests of KCOM ahead of their own personal need for power and perks should replace them.
