2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsMSU general counsel heads to city utilities
Kathleen Musgrave
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
John Black, Missouri State University's general counsel, is resigning after receiving an "exceptional opportunity to serve with another excellent organization," otherwise known as Springfield City Utilities.
Black has served as general counsel for 12 years at Missouri State, and says his job is to "provide counsel and guidance on any legal issue related to the university and its operation." This could include working with administration, faculty and even students.
President Nietzel works with Black on a daily basis.
"I enjoy working with him on every occasion, even though some issues are unpleasant," Nietzel said.
Black was regarded by everyone interviewed as a "great lawyer" and "exceptionally nice person."
One account of Black's kindness came from legal counsel Penni Groves.
"He took me around campus personally on my first day here and made sure I knew where the ZipCard office was, other need-to-know places and that I met people," Groves said.
Groves went on to say that Black was the best boss she had ever had.
Don Aripoli, Vice President of Student Affairs, laughed while telling a fond memory of Black.
Aripoli said he was filling in for a position that hadn't been hired yet and realized the position called for outside visits with clients. This could possibly have included hunting, which Aripoli admits he knows nothing about.
Aripoli went to Black, who loves hunting. When Aripoli told Black about the issue, "John was quiet and then lit up like a Christmas tree because he could teach me how to hunt and shoot a gun."
Black says working as general counsel is, "challenging and rewarding. It's a process more so than an event and it's very different than private practice law."
People had many things to say about Black's time here and how he has helped Missouri State become a better place.
"I value John's professionalism and service to the university," Nietzel said. "He's very loyal to MSU and a wonderful adviser to us."
"People always make lawyer jokes, but it is hard to make one of those jokes about John," Aripoli said.
Aripoli said he was biased about Black because he (Aripoli) was on the recollection committee that hired him in the first place. "He has lived up to everything we have hoped for in an attorney for the university."
"If the administration wanted to do something different, he would do everything he could to legally facilitate it," Groves said.
She also said Black sees both sides of the issue no matter the circumstances.
The general counsel position will be filled by Clif Smart from The Strong Law Firm, P.C. He will start Dec. 1.
Black is leaving Missouri State with a "rewarding experience to work on a team and move the institution in a good direction for the students and people who fund it."
"I am thankful to have been blessed with the opportunity to work at MSU. Thank you," Black said.
Black has served as general counsel for 12 years at Missouri State, and says his job is to "provide counsel and guidance on any legal issue related to the university and its operation." This could include working with administration, faculty and even students.
President Nietzel works with Black on a daily basis.
"I enjoy working with him on every occasion, even though some issues are unpleasant," Nietzel said.
Black was regarded by everyone interviewed as a "great lawyer" and "exceptionally nice person."
One account of Black's kindness came from legal counsel Penni Groves.
"He took me around campus personally on my first day here and made sure I knew where the ZipCard office was, other need-to-know places and that I met people," Groves said.
Groves went on to say that Black was the best boss she had ever had.
Don Aripoli, Vice President of Student Affairs, laughed while telling a fond memory of Black.
Aripoli said he was filling in for a position that hadn't been hired yet and realized the position called for outside visits with clients. This could possibly have included hunting, which Aripoli admits he knows nothing about.
Aripoli went to Black, who loves hunting. When Aripoli told Black about the issue, "John was quiet and then lit up like a Christmas tree because he could teach me how to hunt and shoot a gun."
Black says working as general counsel is, "challenging and rewarding. It's a process more so than an event and it's very different than private practice law."
People had many things to say about Black's time here and how he has helped Missouri State become a better place.
"I value John's professionalism and service to the university," Nietzel said. "He's very loyal to MSU and a wonderful adviser to us."
"People always make lawyer jokes, but it is hard to make one of those jokes about John," Aripoli said.
Aripoli said he was biased about Black because he (Aripoli) was on the recollection committee that hired him in the first place. "He has lived up to everything we have hoped for in an attorney for the university."
"If the administration wanted to do something different, he would do everything he could to legally facilitate it," Groves said.
She also said Black sees both sides of the issue no matter the circumstances.
The general counsel position will be filled by Clif Smart from The Strong Law Firm, P.C. He will start Dec. 1.
Black is leaving Missouri State with a "rewarding experience to work on a team and move the institution in a good direction for the students and people who fund it."
"I am thankful to have been blessed with the opportunity to work at MSU. Thank you," Black said.
Be the first to comment on this story