Last Friday Dr. Frank Einhellig, who has served Missouri State University for over 30 years, the last eleven as Provost (Chief Academic Officer), announced that he will retire in June 2022. Over the past decade Dr. Einhellig has been a big supporter of the MSU Libraries and its various initiatives. 

Einhellig came to Missouri State in 1992 as associate vice president for graduate studies and research. After the designation of a Graduate College at SMS, he then served as graduate dean and associate vice president for academic affairs from 1994 to 2011. This included serving as acting provost during the 2005-06 year.

During Einhellig’s time as dean of the Graduate College and provost, the university:

• Increased the number of graduate programs from 20 to 66.
• Added most of its graduate health-care programs.
• Created dual-degree graduate programs with international partners.
• Developed five standalone professional doctorate programs.
• Attained a change in the university’s Carnegie classification from “master’s colleges and universities” to “doctoral/professional universities.”
• Initiated graduate and undergraduate certificate programs — now totaling 175.
• Began offering a Doctor of Pharmacy program with University of Missouri – Kansas City.
• Began offering cooperative engineering programs with Missouri University of Science and Technology
• Began offering online programs – the university now offers 43.
• Doubled the number of students taking dual credit courses while provost.

Congratulations and accolades have been pouring in. MSU President Clif Smart noted, “Under Frank’s leadership, our graduate and professional programs and our academic reputation have improved tremendously. Missouri State wouldn’t be the university it is today without him.” 

Smart has formed a search committee for the next Executive Vice President and Provost, the revised title for this important position at the university. Suzanne Shaw, vice president for marketing and communication, and Dr. Julie Masterson, dean of the Graduate College, will chair the search committee. AGB Search has been hired to assist in the search. 

Members of the search committee include:

• Julie Masterson* (Dean, Graduate College)
• Suzanne Shaw* (VP for marketing and communications)
• Jim Baker (VP for community and global partnerships)
• Melissa Bledsoe (DCOAg faculty)
• Bridget Dierks (Community rep, VP at Community Foundation of the Ozarks)
• Rachael Dockery (General counsel)
• Abby Falgout (Student body vice president)
• Lyle Foster (CHPA faculty, AVP for faculty development and inclusive excellence)
• Michael Hudson (MCHHS faculty, Faculty Senate vice chair)
• Dennis Lancaster (Chancellor of West Plains campus)
• Judith E. Martin (RCOAL faculty)
• Kevin Mickus (CNAS faculty)
• Matt Morris (VP for administrative services)
• Tom Peters (Dean of libraries)
• Elizabeth Rozell (COB associate dean)
• Marjorie Shavers (COE department head)
• Dee Siscoe (VP for student affairs)
• Gary Wells (Maintenance supervisor, Staff Senate)