After nearly four decades of dedicated service to Missouri State University, Dr. Tamera Jahnke, dean of the College of Natural Applied Sciences (CNAS), will retire on June 30, 2026.

Throughout her tenure, she has made profound contributions to the university’s academic mission, scientific endeavors and institutional growth.

“It’s been my honor to serve the students, faculty and staff of Missouri State,” Jahnke said. “This university gave me my first opportunities to teach and pursue research. Throughout my life, I’ve benefited from the excellent public education I received. At Missouri State, I’ve had the chance to give back and make sure others enjoy the same opportunities.”

From the classroom to campus leadership

Jahnke joined Missouri State’s faculty in 1986 as assistant professor of chemistry. Over more than 35 years, she rose through the ranks, holding roles, such as professor and department head (1997-2005), acting associate provost (2005-06) and since 2006, CNAS dean.

From last December until June this year, she took on additional responsibilities as interim provost, guiding the university through a leadership transition.

An organic chemist, her research interests have been in lipid peroxidation products, antiviral drug synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of organic molecules. In 2005, she became a fellow of the Missouri Academy of Science and a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

She has served on the university’s HLC Steering Committee since 2010 and co-chairs the Sustainability Advisory Committee.

“Tammy’s long and successful career at Missouri State exemplifies outstanding leadership, integrity and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” President Richard B. Williams said. “Her vision and steady guidance have advanced CNAS and our entire university. While we’ll miss her presence, we’ll continue to carry forward the strong foundation she established.”

Key achievements

CNAS grew and thrived in several areas under her leadership. She:

• Oversaw the launch of new degree and certificate programs, including the master’s degree in computer science
• Successfully implemented the cooperative engineering program with Missouri S&T
• Led the transformative expansion and renovation of Roy Blunt Hall
• Started the CNAS Undergraduate Research Symposium – the 17th annual event will take place in 2026
• Initiated the CNAS Faculty and Staff Awards program to recognize outstanding work

Jahnke earned both her BS and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Iowa.

Search for new dean

The search for the next CNAS dean will launch before the end of this year, with the goal of interviewing candidates early in the spring semester.