Byrd is the owner of an architectural firm in Sikeston, Mo., that specializes in commercial and residential work. He has worked on several projects for the University, including some initial evaluation of the River Campus property, and is actively involved in promoting the River Campus project.

Wyman is the president of Merriwether Investments, Inc. She and her husband own and operate the Royal N' Orleans and Bella Italia restaurants, as well as numerous rental properties in Cape Girardeau. Wyman also serves on the board of directors for Old Town Cape and is dedicated to the revitalization of downtown Cape Girardeau. She graduated from Southeast in 1989 with a bachelor of arts degree, majoring in French and English and minoring in marketing.

The cooperation agreement for the St. Vincent Seminary property requires that both the Cape Girardeau City Council and Southeast Missouri State University each appoint three members to the River Campus Board of Managers. Current board members include city representatives Jerry Ford, Ruth Knote and Dennis Vollink and University representatives Wyman, Byrd and Dr. Pauline Fox. River Campus board members serve staggered terms. Byrd will serve on the River Campus Board of Managers through Dec. 1, 2004.