Beginning July 1, Missouri State University’s College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) will have a new dean.

Dr. Magdalena Toda will replace longtime dean Dr. Tamera Jahnke, who retires June 30.

“Dr. Toda brings a wealth of experience, energy and dedication to this role. I’m confident in her ability to lead the next chapter of the CNAS story,” said Dr. Clarenda Phillips, Missouri State provost and vice president for academic affairs.

More about Toda

Toda comes to Missouri State from Texas Tech University, where she has been a professor in the department of mathematics and statistics. She has 25 years of experience in research, teaching and high-impact leadership. Highlights of her experience include service as department chair and program director in applied mathematics for the National Science Foundation.

During her time as chair, she helped increase the department’s external funding from about $200,000 to more than $10 million and grew graduate enrollment by almost 70%. She also led complete revisions of Texas Tech’s doctoral, master’s-level and certificate programs, and founded the Math Postdoctoral Scholar Program.

“Everything we do — from scientific discovery in the laboratory to mathematical research on paper or through computer-assisted methods — is ultimately done with students, for students and through students,” Toda said. “Education and mentorship remain at the heart of meaningful research and innovation.”

She received several honors over the years. They include being named an Association for Women in Mathematics Fellow in 2025 and receiving Texas Tech’s President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008.

She earned PhDs at both the University of Kansas and the Politehnica University of Bucharest. She also holds a Master of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Bucharest, a Master of Science in Health and Wellness from the American College of Healthcare Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Bucharest.

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