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CommentsWhat's Your Favorite?
You’ll have to excuse Dr. Michael Nietzel if you notice him only nibbling at his food at the luncheon you’re hosting. He’s learned the ropes of what it takes to be a university president. “The No. 1 surprise is how much food you have to eat,” explains Nietzel, president of Missouri State University. “I have to eat constantly because I’m always going to a reception, a dinner or a breakfast.”
Nietzel offers surprises of his own when you meet him. He holds the title of president with the approachability of a professor. His office is decorated with jazz posters, and on an easel sits the artist’s rendering of the new JQH Arena. Perhaps the difference is because he’s been a professor far longer in his career.
Aside from serving as the head of a large university, Nietzel’s area of expertise is psychology, or more specifically, forensic psychology. He continues to teach it and for years was renowned for his work in courtroom consultation in death penalty cases. He doesn’t get the opportunity to do it anymore but, “I still read about it just enough to teach,” remarks Nietzel. “And lawyers will still call.”
Nietzel has helped to lead an era of palpable momentum at Missouri State. “There’s been significant enrollment growth, then you have capital projects and Jordan Valley Innovation Center,” he says. Nietzel says of the unique collaboration between private companies and a public institution at JVIC. “That literally is, keep building it and they’ll keep coming to it.”
To Nietzel, the thing that sets Missouri State apart from the other institutions he’s been a part of is, “The emotional bond between people and this university is deeper than what you find at most institutions,” says Nietzel. It’s almost as if Missouri State is a grown child with the Springfield community as the doting mother. You know, the one who makes sure you’re eating enough.
What’s your favorite…
Thing about Missouri State University?
“The extent to which so many people have a deep affection for the university.”
Building on campus?
“It’s between McDonald Arena and Strong Hall. I love the exterior of McDonald, and I think Strong is a very attractive modern facility.”
Thing about the university’s name change?
“The national and international caché that it brought.”
Thing about the university being involved downtown?
“I like downtowns. I think they’re exciting. Downtown Springfield clearly is rallying back to a level of activity. It does have a real tempo to it, and I like contributing to that.”
Thing about Springfield?
“A great appreciation for how quickly we’ve been able to make a lot of friends.”
Book you’ve written?
“A history of the American private eye called 101 Private Nights.”
Book you’ve read?
“Michael Malone’s Handling Sin."
Thing about Iowa?
“The gravel pits at Muscatine and Maid Rites.”
Pizza Topping?
“Green olives.”
Produce Item?
“Plums.”
Woodland creature?
“None, I don’t go in the woods.”
College Acronym?
“I better stick with MSU.”
Cartoon character from childhood?
“Bugs Bunny.”
Place to get away?
“Desert in Arizona or northern New Mexico.”
Volume of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders?
“One. It had the fewest number of disorders in it. They keep adding them.”
Psychological term?
“Parataxia. It’s the nature of the distortion that people with schizophrenia suffer from.”
Thing about your wife?
“She has an excellent sense of humor.”
