President stresses University's research mission

by David Baugher

Manuel Pacheco, who took over as head of the University of Missouri system Aug. 1, met with the presidents of the four campuses last week to discuss his goals for the university.

He said one of his goals is to involve students more in the system administrative process. He said he would like to meet with students at all four campuses in the near future.

Commenting on tuition increases, Pacheco said tuition had "stabilized" and would likely only rise by the rate of inflation, barring any unforeseen emergencies.

Pacheco emphasized the University's research mission and spoke of the desire to expand UM-St. Louis' degree programs.

Jim Avery, UM-ST. Louis Student Government Association President, attended the meeting as part of the ISC. ISC was reactivated this year as part of a renewed effort among the campus leaders to increase students' participation at the system level. ISC is comprised of the four campus presidents and vice presidents and meets monthly.

Pacheco has also said he will devote much of his time in the near future to selected a chancellor for the Columbia campus. Charles Kiesler left that post last year and it has been filled by interim chancellor Richard Wallace.

Pacheco has come under fire almost from the beginning of his term with the University system for his involvement with Asarco, Inc., a lead smeltering operation in southern Missouri that has been called one of the states largest polluters by the Sierra Club and other groups.

Pacheco, who sits on the board of directors for Asarco, has defended his membership with the company, saying he feels confident the company is in compliance with state regulations.