Over the past 19 years, Allen Kunkel has strengthened Missouri State University’s connections to industry and the community, advancing research and economic development across the region. He will retire June 30.

He joined Missouri State as associate vice president for economic development in 2007 and added the role of Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) director in 2010.

During his tenure, he envisioned and led JVIC’s expansion, positioning it as a hub for applied research and technology commercialization. He also built and sustained strong relationships with corporate partners and tenants that conduct advanced research and bring new technologies to market.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work for Missouri State and I’m fortunate to have been able to work for and with so many wonderful people,” Kunkel said.

“I’ve been blessed with a tremendous staff team who are extremely capable to take JVIC, efactory and IDEA Commons to the next level. There are so many opportunities and I’ll enjoy watching their continued success.”

A career marked by vision, collaboration and lasting impact

Over the years, Kunkel has played a pivotal role in advancing IDEA Commons, an urban innovation park in downtown Springfield. A collaborative community effort, it is a space where people from all walks of life can live, shop, learn, create and work. Besides that, he was instrumental in establishing and expanding the efactory, Missouri State’s entrepreneurship and small business outreach center.

Among his notable achievements, JVIC was selected in 2022 as one of only three locations nationwide to house a NextFlex Node as part of America’s Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute.

Kunkel also oversaw the establishment of the university’s composite braider facility. This is a specialized advanced manufacturing center for developing large-scale components, especially for hypersonic vehicles, funded by the U.S. Air Force. It is also supported by state and local efforts to expand high-tech workforce training and strengthen the regional economy.

In addition, Kunkel served as Missouri State’s liaison to the Springfield Innovation Inc. Board, which provides advisory oversight for JVIC and the efactory.

According to Brad Bodenhausen, vice president for community and global partnerships at Missouri State, Kunkel’s leadership has profoundly impacted the university and larger community.

“He’s an outstanding economic developer – someone who has the experience and skills to take a vision and make it reality. That’s what he’s done here in Springfield’s center city,” Bodenhausen said.

“For almost 20 years, he has devoted his energies to implementing the university’s vision for JVIC, efactory and IDEA Commons. As a result, we now have excellent facilities and a talented team working with business and community partners to support innovation and advanced manufacturing.”

Kunkel’s leadership extended beyond the university through professional and civic service. Examples of this service include:

• Board member of the Missouri Biotechnology Association, Springfield Downtown Community Improvement District and the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments
• Recently appointed by Gov. Mike Kehoe to the Missouri Technology Corporation board
• Part of the International Economic Development Council, the Heartland Economic Development Course Board and the Missouri Economic Development Council

He earned a bachelor’s degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is also credentialed as a Certified Economic Developer by both the state and international economic development associations.

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