Stutzer Continues to Succeed with the ‘Central Way’

BY DEANNA COOPER

Walking into any setting where Salum Stutzer, ’05, is at the helm, there is an immediate sense of the proverbial “tight ship” – mutual respect, integrity, efficiency, a pleasant sense of calm and forward direction. One can be assured that there will be new ideas and an intelligent vision, a logical, detailed approach where goals are set and objectives will be achieved. Above all, there will be 100 percent dedication.

It’s this work ethic that helped the Central Methodist University alumnus earn the title of director of facilities and operations for the Francis Howell School District in St. Charles, Missouri. Effective July 1, Stutzer will begin in his new role, moving from his previous position as the director of facilities and purchasing for Independence Public Schools, where he served a successful and innovative run and accomplished tremendous achievements for the district.

Stutzer was born in Arusha, Tanzania, on the west coast of Africa, where he experienced “a global society environment with a multitude of people, cultures, and religions” at an international school. He and his family moved to Independence, Missouri when he was 11, and he lived out his remaining childhood there along with the rest of his seven siblings. Family remains a significant factor in his life.

When asked how he found Central, Stutzer stated, “Central found me.”

At the end of his high school football career, he was being recruited by several institutions at various levels of NCAA and NAIA, but with only two years of play under his belt, he knew that bigger schools were more likely to sign athletes with greater longevity of experience on the field. He received a call from Coach Greg Pardum’s staff, though, and after an independent visit to campus during the holiday season, he eventually accepted an offer to play for the Eagles.

Stutzer’s original intent was only to stay at Central for a year and then transfer to a larger program, but after a successful freshman season and a coaching change, he found himself with an opportunity to step up outside his own perspective and help Coach Merle Masonholder build a great team. It would prove to be a pivotal life choice – Central became Stutzer’s home, and he would become part of a nationallyrecognized defense with an offense to match. Stutzer became a three-time AllAmerican safety along with racking up national and conference athletic awards, all while maintaining a presence on the dean’s list.

Off the field, many mentors left an indelible mark on Stutzer’s life during his time at Central, including the professors that pushed him the hardest.

“Everything I achieved academically, I earned,” he said, recalling faculty members such as Jack Healy, Ken Oliver, Jeff Webster, Dean Keeling, O.A. Robinson, and others. “Even today, I think of the communication elements I learned from [Dr. Healy] . . . Professionally, they really elevated me to think analytically as I do today.”

Stutzer also names some impressive people as his professional mentors and influences. He cites former Philips Petroleum CEO and Central Hall of Honor member Glenn Cox ’57 as an example of fortitude and intelligent perspective. And he remembers conversations with RG Kirby that have influenced his outlook years later.

The “Central Way” exemplified by all these influences has stayed with him, and the values and character that go along with it is a defining part of Stutzer’s career. Even as a student, his desire to “just be a good person” was recognized by his peers, earning him the Humanitarian Award, which still hangs on his wall to this day.

“I wish the same for my children,” said Stutzer. “[I tell them to] just be a good person and treat those around you with respect. Really cherish and live this value.”

Now a mentor in his own right with plenty of advice for current Central students – “take a calculated risk, develop a work ethic, and never turn down an opportunity” – Stutzer knows that even though he has achieved so much, there is still more to be done.

“It is hard to believe I’ve accomplished all that I have in a relatively short time, but I still have far to go,” he said.