Central Methodist University’s Board of Trustees has added four board members.
The Board sets policies, and provides oversight and direction to the CMU administration, according to CMU President Roger Drake. Members typically serve four-year terms.
“We are excited about the addition of these members to an already talented and committed group who make up our Board of Trustees,” Drake said. “These individuals are passionate about CMU’s mission, students, and overall success, and I’m confident they will help us continue to make a difference.”
Robert “Bob” E. Courtney
Robert “Bob” E. Courtney of St. Louis spent his career in the office products industry. He was the owner and president of Business Supply Centers until selling the business in 1994. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration-accounting from the University of Missouri. He has a long association with Central Methodist dating back to 1994, when a fellow church member introduced him to CMU. Courtney is returning to the Board and has previously served on many committees, and chaired the Board from 1997 to 2004.
Janet L. Jacobs
Janet L. Jacobs of Fayette currently serves as chair of the board/executive vice president/trust officer for Commercial Trust Company in Fayette. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Central Methodist before going on to earn a master’s in English from the University of Missouri. Jacobs is returning to the Board and previously served as chair for the Advancement and Alumni Relations Committee, member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Finance Committee, and Trusteeship and Governance Committee, and national co-chair for “The Campaign for Central” Capital Campaign.
Kirk Meyer
Kirk Meyer of New Mexico is the chief financial officer for the Don Chalmers organization. In his role, he is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and human resources for Don Chalmers Ford, Inc. and its related organizations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Central Methodist. He is returning to the Board, and has experience serving on several boards as president, treasurer, finance committee chair, and member, including for Central, the Samaritan Counseling Center of Albuquerque, Make-A-Wish New Mexico, and the CNM Foundation Board.
Rev. Clayton Smith
Clayton Smith of Stillwell, Kan. is a new member of the Board of Trustees. He retired as the executive pastor of generosity at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in July, where he served for 13 years. Over the course of 50 years, Smith served the United Methodist Church across Missouri. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central, a master’s in theology from Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Ministry in Stewardship and Preaching from the McCormick School of Theology. He has significant community leadership experience, has received book publication, has led international mission projects and educational tours, and has taught courses for Saint Paul School of Theology.