For more than 36 years, Dr. David Meinert has been a familiar face and steady presence at Missouri State University.

On Dec. 31, he will retire as College of Business dean, ending a distinguished career.

Under his leadership, the college has enlarged and enhanced its learning spaces; advanced its research initiatives; and increased private scholarships, as well as student placement rates.

“I’ll deeply miss working alongside colleagues who are so dedicated to providing our students with a transformative educational experience. I’m especially proud of the college’s commitment to experiential learning, responding to the needs of employers and ensuring our students are prepared not only to succeed, but excel in their careers,” Meinert said.

“After investing nearly four decades in the college, I look forward to following its progress and celebrating its continued success for many years to come.”

From professor to dean

Meinert joined Missouri State’s faculty in 1990 as assistant professor of computer information systems. Before moving into administration, he taught a range of CIS courses and authored more than 40 scientific articles, papers and technical reports.

He later served as associate dean (2008-17), playing a key role in the renovation and expansion of Glass Hall. He moved into the interim dean role (2018-19) before becoming the College of Business dean in 2019.

“Dean Meinert has been an extraordinary champion for student success, often leading the way as we explore new partners and avenues that help us expand experiential learning opportunities,” said Dr. Clarenda Phillips, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“His impact on the College of Business will endure and benefit the Missouri State community for years to come.”

A record of impact

Key areas of progress under Meinert’s leadership include:

• Added seven additional experiential learning spaces in Glass Hall – Design Lab by Grooms; Fashion Design, Merchandising and Branding Studio; IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Lab; Judy and Mike Breeding Accounting Analytics Lab; Linda Bailey Interior Design Studio; McDonald Entrepreneurship Lab and Security Operations Center (a cybersecurity lab).
• Partnered with university advancement to increase private donor-funded scholarship support by 84%, exceeding $500,000 for academic year 2026-27, while securing naming gifts for capital projects and several seven-figure gifts.
• Advanced major capital projects, including the Kemper Hall Renovation and Addition and Construction Education Success Center.
• Increased support for and strengthened the quality of faculty research, advancing the university’s goal of achieving R2 status, which is a Carnegie classification recognizing universities with high levels of research activity.
• Expanded advisory boards and strengthened partnerships with industry and community organizations.

Meinert has a PhD in Management Information Systems from the University of Mississippi and an MBA and bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University.

Search for new dean

Missouri State is conducting a national search for Meinert’s replacement.

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