Missouri State University has seen exceptional growth in graduate programs and academic reputation since Dr. Frank Einhellig became Missouri State University’s provost in 2011.

Einhellig, who also serves as chancellor of the Mountain Grove campus and a professor of biology, announced today that he’ll retire June 30.

He came to Missouri State in 1992 as associate vice president for graduate studies and research. After the designation of a Graduate College, 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.

“In 2011 when I was asked to become interim president of Missouri State University, I said I’ll be acting president if Frank will be acting provost,” said Clif Smart, Missouri State president. “I think we’ve made a good team.

“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.”

Achievements

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.

“I have been very fortunate to work at Missouri State for the last 30 years,” Einhellig said. “Working with outstanding faculty and the leadership team, we’ve had the opportunity to transform the university into one that is recognized statewide and beyond as a university whose graduates serve their communities and continue to outstanding careers.”

“I believe strongly in the value and importance of higher education, and it has been a privilege to see the difference it makes in people’s lives and our communities.”

Einhellig received an associate’s degree in agriculture from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, bachelor’s in agriculture from Kansas State University, bachelor’s in science education from the University of Kansas, and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Oklahoma.

Search for next provost

The search for Einhellig’s replacement will begin immediately.

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.