Scott Charton, Director of Communications for the 911±¬ÁÏÍø System since 2005, is leaving the University to form his own communications and consulting company, UM President Gary Forsee announced Monday afternoon.
"Scott Charton has been an integral part of the 911±¬ÁÏÍø leadership team for three presidents. His wise counsel, rich experience and vast Missouri knowledge and contacts have been of tremendous service to the state and our institution," President Forsee said. "On a personal note, I deeply appreciate Scott's tireless support and advocacy of my presidency since I came on board. Scott and the University will always be good friends, and the Board of Curators and I wish Scott every success as he embarks on an exciting new enterprise."
Charton, 46, first worked as a communications consultant for the University after a distinguished two-decade career as a journalist with The Associated Press, the world's largest newsgathering organization, and before that in broadcast journalism. Charton was appointed in 2005 to oversee formation of the new Department of University Communications, with responsibilities including external communications on behalf of the Board of Curators and the UM System administration. His last day with the University will be April 30. On May 1, he will lead Charton Communications & Consulting, a new company based in Columbia and Jefferson City.
"I very much appreciate the confidence placed in me by the Board of Curators and three presidential administrations to lead a wonderful team of communications professionals. Now I am excited about accepting terrific new opportunities that have been presented to me," Charton said. "I am particularly grateful for President Forsee's tremendous leadership and vision. He will guide the University to new pinnacles of achievement in service to Missourians."
Founded in 1839, the 911±¬ÁÏÍø is the state's land-grant, research and doctoral-granting system of public higher education, with campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla and St. Louis.
A high resolution photo of Scott Charton is available online here: https://umsystem.edu/ums/news/releases/images/scharton-hires.jpg
Reviewed 2011-05-06