Elson S. Floyd
President, University of Missouri System
Dr. Elson S. Floyd assumed the presidency of the University of Missouri System in January 2003. Dr. Floyd is a native of Henderson, North Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and speech, a master’s degree in adult education, and a doctorate in higher and adult education, all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Floyd has an exceptionally wide range of administrative experience and insightful perspectives on higher education issues and policies. He began his career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a leading research institution. After holding several campus deanships Dr. Floyd became assistant vice president for student services for the 16-campus University of North Carolina System.
From 1990 to 1993, Dr. Floyd served as Eastern Washington University’s vice president for student services, vice president for administration, and executive vice president. He then became the executive director of the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board, which provides statewide coordination and planning for post-secondary education.
Upon returning to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Floyd served as chief administrative and operating officer, with responsibility for business, human resources, information technology, enrollment management, student affairs, and, university advancement and development.
Prior to joining the University of Missouri System, Dr. Floyd was the president of Western Michigan University. His tenure at Western Michigan was marked by a growing student enrollment, expanded support for research and record increases in private gifts to the University.
