For more than 40 years, Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement, has built relationships that strengthened the university.

Today, he announced he will retire July 1, 2027.

Dunn, who also serves as president and CEO of the Missouri State University Foundation, joined Missouri State in 1985 as director of annual giving. He advanced through leadership positions in development and athletics before taking on the vice president role in 2007.

“Brent’s impact on Missouri State is impossible to overstate. He has been one of this university’s greatest champions, inspiring generosity and helping transform our campus through his unwavering commitment to our students and mission,” Missouri State President Richard B. Williams said.

“He leaves big shoes to fill, and the university is better because of his leadership. I’m thankful for all he’s done and wish him nothing but the best in his well-earned retirement.”

Driving transformational giving

In leading the university’s fundraising and alumni engagement efforts, Dunn helped to achieve record levels of private support, including nearly $50 million raised in outright gifts, planned giving and pledges for fiscal year 2026.

He oversaw two capital campaigns: Onward, Upward and Our Promise, which raised $274 million and $167 million, respectively. He also participated in The Campaign for SMS, which raised more than $50 million.

In addition, Dunn played a key role in advancing university advancement’s strategic direction. He and his team completed a division-wide strategic plan called “Elevating Together: Shaping our Future with Purpose and Partnership.” It is aligned with Missouri State’s 2025-30 strategic plan, “Igniting Opportunity.”

Grounded in the pillars of destiny, engagement and identity, the plan formalized a roadmap to “Elevate Missouri State University through philanthropy, engagement and collaboration,” enhancing coordination across fundraising, alumni engagement and institutional priorities.

In 2009, Dunn received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year award from the Ozarks Chapter of the National Association of Fundraising Executives. The foundation has also won multiple awards for excellence in fundraising from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Dunn’s work touched every facet of the university, helping to fund:

• Student scholarships
• Endowed professorships
• Headlining speakers for the annual Public Affairs Conference like David Feherty, Brooke Shields, Joe Montana, Marlee Matline and John Quiñones
• Building renovations, naming opportunities and new buildings, including the Pendleton Family School of Accountancy, Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center, Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex, Roy Blunt Hall and John Goodman Amphitheatre in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park

“I feel incredibly fortunate to work at a great institution where lives are changed for the better. It’s an honor to be a part of Missouri State,” Dunn said. “We still have much to accomplish this fiscal year and I look forward to Missouri State’s continued growth.”

Search for replacement begins soon

The university will conduct a national search for Dunn’s replacement.

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