Upcoming events and important notices

Roy D. Blunt Life Science Professorship  – Applications due this week for an addition professorship in 2026.

This professorship provides supplementary compensation and resource support for enhancement of the recipients scholarly activities to include high quality teaching and original research that will generate new ideas, concepts and findings at Missouri State University.  Qualifications – Recipient must be a tenured MSU faculty member in CNAS.  Recipient will be selected by the Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, after consultation with a committee of tenured faculty appointed by the Dean, with final approval from the Provost.  Term of the appointment shall be for up to four (4) years renewable upon recommendation of the Dean and the Provost.  We currently have five Roy D. Blunt Professorships awarded in the college and this will be the sixth.   Awards will be $25K.  If you wish to be considered for this new (sixth) professorship to be awarded in January of 2026 please submit a letter of interest and your CV to CNAS Dean’s Office by 4:00 PM, Friday, November 21.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break and we will finish the semester strong.  CNAS Commencement is at 10AM on Friday, December 12. 

As part of the strategic plan, the university has granted funding for new projects that promote experiential learning. Applications for this funding are due by December 12, 2025.   The working group that is administering this grant program will hold a Zoom Q&A at 4 p.m., November 18 — it’s a great way to learn more about the program. You can access this Zoom Q&A via a link at the bottom of the “promote experiential learning” webpage.  You may also find information at the following link:  Call for Proposals

Today, the College of Education is hosting an event to let students know about the Accelerated Master’s Programs, including Teaching (MAT). 

Bears Can-Do Food Drive is taking place November 7 – December 12. The organization that donates the most supplies will be awarded at the Staff Awards Luncheon on January 7, 2026. Food donations, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies can be dropped off in PSU 140 or in the Dean’s office (Blunt Hall 110). You can also donate money directly to the Bear Pantry through their QR code. $1 = 5 pounds of food.

CNAS Seminars – All are welcome!

Nov 19 – CHM Seminar: Dr. Adedamola Opalade, 3:30-4:30 PM; Meyer 101.

Due Dates for Faculty

The Foundation Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Research (and/or creative expression) and Service are intended to recognize full-time MSU faculty who demonstrate evidence of significant accomplishments. Faculty members must be nominated by peers for the Foundation Awards, which are funded by the Missouri State University Foundation. Foundation Awards are presented annually up to two faculty in each of the three categories. Each recipient receives $3,600 in the form of a salary authorization.  Missouri State University Foundation Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Research and Service – Awards and Recognition – Faculty Resources – Faculty Affairs – Office of the Provost – Missouri State

The process steps and timeline are as follows:

• Step 1: First Friday in December: Peer nominations due to college dean – That’s Friday, December 5.

• Step 2: Third Tuesday in January: Faculty member award submission due via Faculty Success

• Step 3: Second Friday in February: College selections due

• Step 4: Last working day of February: Provost Leadership Team selections due

December 12                   PSIP applications due in Faculty Success

CNAS NEWS 

Advancing the science of mammalogy

From equations to enzymes

Rising to the research challenge

Mind’s Eye

Roy Blunt Hall Construction Update:

Renovation work continues Fall of 2025 and we have access to most of the south side of the original building. WT is on target to finish first floor and the north side of second floor on December 1 and we will be able to move in after December 19.  If the date is moved up I will keep you posted.  For the spaces on second and third floor that were to get a new hood – that will happen in the spring/summer of 2026.  Details will be sent later.    I appreciate all of the help we have had in order to keep to the schedule.

Cheek Hall Construction Update:

Current Construction Schedule.

• Phase 1 Completion: 02/16/2026
• Phase 2 Start: 02/17/2026
• Phase 2 Completion: 09/04/2026

Calendar

November 24-28	NO CLASSES for Thanksgiving
November 24-25	Offices OPEN
December 5	Nominations for Foundation Awards for Teaching, Research and Service due to the Dean. Only those nominated can apply
December 6-11	Final Exams
December 12	PSIP applications due in Faculty Success
December 12	Commencement  – CNAS at 10 AM
December 15	Grades are due today
December 22 – Jan 2	University Closed
January 5, 2026	All offices open
January 12	Spring 2026 Classes Begin
January 19	Martin Luther King Jr Holiday, No Classes, Offices Closed
February 16	Presidents’ Day Holiday, No Classes, Offices Closed
February 21	Missouri Science Olympiad – Region 7

Media

• Subscribe to follow CNAS NewsWatch (also available on CNAS homepage)
• Find past eblasts and subscribe to CNAS Blog.
• Tune in every Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. for 5-minute Astro Brief on KSMU.