Gov. Jay Nixon today appointed Michael J. Ponder of Cape Girardeau, to the University of Missouri Board of Curators, which oversees the operation of the four-campus University of Missouri System.

Mr. Ponder is a 1990 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law and obtained his bachelor's degree from Central Methodist University in Fayette.  He has been a partner in the Cape Girardeau law firm of Cook, Barkett, Ponder and Wolz since 1998.  He has successfully litigated catastrophic injury cases and has handled complex business class actions as lead or co-lead counsel.

He has been active with the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and local United Way, as well as the Cape Riverfront Market Steering Committee.  He has served on the State Board of Education since 2009.

The Governor has appointed Ponder for a term ending January 1, 2019.

"Michael has been a great leader for Missouri education through his service on the State Board of Education for the past four year," Gov. Nixon said.  "He will bring his experience and insight to the Board of Curators to help keep tuition affordable, while preparing the next generation of graduates to compete and succeed in today's growing economy."

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.