JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed three members to the University of Missouri’s Board of Curators.

Nixon said Wednesday the newly filled nine-member board now can select a new president after student protests led to the former president’s ouster last year.

The announcement comes weeks after lawmakers adjourned. Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard had said lawmakers wouldn’t confirm appointments.

Richard cited lawmaker frustrations with the system, which garnered national attention following Columbia protests over what some saw as administrators’ indifference to racial issues.

The appointees can serve until January, when senators will decide whether to confirm them.

Appointees include former Ameren CEO Thomas Voss, St. Louis Community College District attorney Mary Nelson, and former University of Missouri basketball star Jon Sundvold.
Nixon appointed Mizzou’s Gene Graham as student representative.