Mercer takes over as chairman of regents

HELENA - John Mercer culminated a sometimes tumultuous 2 years on the state Board of Regents by becoming its chairman Friday, saying he's changed from the persistent critic to faithful fan of higher education.

The former legislator said he is less disparaging because he has seen a growing willingness of Montana university system leaders to embrace some of his ideas. The regents and other higher education officials recognize the greater role campuses can play in economic development and accept the notion that the board can have more of a hand in managing the system, he said.

Mercer acknowledged...