Dr. Ken Brown is currently serving as the interim dean of the Darr College of Agriculture. He will oversee the college until the permanent dean is hired after an open search is performed.

 

Brown was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from Mehlville High School, he continued his education at Saint Louis University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Economics in 1990. In 1992, Brown received his Master of Science in Economics at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign; and two years later, he received his Ph.D. in Economics, in 1994.

 

After graduating from the University of Illinois, Brown was immediately hired as an assistant professor in the Economics Department at the University of Northern Iowa in 1994. He was promoted to a full professor before moving to Springfield in 2014. Brown has served as the department head of the Economics Department at Missouri State University since 2014. Throughout his time at Missouri State, he has taught a wide range of courses including Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, Econometrics, Urban and Regional Economics, Health Economics, MBA Managerial Economics, Data Analytics, and Mathematical Economics.

 

When Brown was approached about applying for the interim dean position, he
immediately agreed to apply. Working alongside the faculty in the College of Agriculture throughout the years persuaded him to lead the college.

 

“During my time at Missouri State in the Economics Department, I have had the opportunity to work with most of the faculty in the college one way or another,” Brown said. “All of the experiences have been great, and I was excited about the possibility of leading the college forward until a new permanent dean takes over.”

 

Brown is looking forward to serving as the interim dean as the new semester begins.

 

“I believe the Darr College of Agriculture is a hidden gem at Missouri State,” Brown said. “The college has an outstanding faculty performing high-quality research while delivering a world-class education in agriculture. There are many opportunities for students to be engaged in experiential learning at the undergraduate and graduate level.”

 

While serving in this position, Brown has already jumped into assisting with projects to move the college forward, including the construction of the Small Animal Education Center. Brown’s vision for the future of the college is to be the highest-ranked agriculture program in the region, being recognized both nationally and internationally for its excellent offerings in education and high-quality research.

 

When Brown is not discussing projects with faculty or overseeing College of Agriculture operations, he can be found reading a book, watching television, or playing a competitive game of chess with his family.

 

We are so grateful for Dr. Brown’s leadership and wish him the best as he serves as the interim dean of the Darr College of Agriculture.