Following a national search, Dr. Melissa Bledsoe will become the permanent dean of Missouri State University’s William H. Darr College of Agriculture on May 1.  

Bledsoe has been interim dean since June 2023.  

“Dr. Bledsoe is the right choice to lead the Darr College of Agriculture as it continues to evolve, offering unique ‘farm-to-fork’ curriculum and learning experiences,” said Dr. John Jasinski, Missouri State provost. “Her student-focused, team-oriented and results-driven approach — combined with her understanding of changing internal needs and external expectations — will serve the college well for years to come.” 

Bledsoe joined the Darr College of Agriculture in 2013 as an assistant professor and moved up to associate professor in 2019. In January 2023, she took on the interim associate dean role.  

In summer 2023, the college was part of the university’s larger academic realignment. The biggest change was bringing hospitality leadership under the college umbrella and combining all departments into two schools within the college. 

“The momentum of the Darr College of Agriculture is fueled by many opportunities on the horizon. I look forward to working with colleagues and the ag community to develop our programs to support the agriculture industry,” she said. “It’s all for our students to learn, grow, and lead the future of agriculture. What an exciting time to be dean.” 

Bledsoe’s academic background  

An MSU alumnus, Bledsoe earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture in 2002 and a master’s degree in plant science in 2004. 

In 2010, she received a doctorate in plant, insect and microbial sciences from the University of Missouri. She went on to work at MU’s division of plant sciences from 2010-13. 

Her research on soil nutrition, along with her leadership advising students garnered her many awards, including the Outstanding Thesis Advisor Award from the Missouri State Graduate College and an honorary degree from the Missouri FFA Association.
Bledsoe is currently an endowed professor through the Clif and Gail Smart Professor in Agriculture award.