This spring, Missouri State University named Dr. Melissa Bledsoe dean of the William H. Darr College of Agriculture. The first named college in the university, Darr has a rich history at Missouri State. The new role is not an unfamiliar one for the professor, she’s held the interim title since June 2023.

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

Hear Bledsoe talk about her vision for the college and her history with the program.

Read the full transcript.