Elizabeth Reger is not yet 40, but her accomplishments in the world of education and business leadership are impressive.
Her professional contributions have not gone unnoticed. The Springfield Business Journal (SBJ) named her to its 2025 40 Under 40 class.
This new class represents 40 accomplished and still-rising professionals in southwest Missouri.
Reger, a Missouri State University alumna, celebrated along with fellow honorees at an event on March 25 at the White River Conference Center.
“This recognition is a result of the amazing network of mentors, colleagues, and students I’ve had the privilege of working with,” she said.
Learning and working at MSU
Originally from Chillicothe, Missouri, Reger arrived at Missouri State as an undergraduate student in 2012. She double majored in accounting and risk management and insurance.
After graduating in May 2016, she went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and completed it in December 2016 (through the accelerated master’s track). Reger now oversees this program.
“The MBA elevates business thinking to the next level,” Reger said. “Many people tend to operate in silos, but an MBA teaches you to make decisions holistically, considering multiple stakeholders and long-term implications.”
With a desire to contribute back to MSU, Reger took on the role of graduate programs coordinator in the College of Business in January 2017.
In her role, Reger oversees recruitment, admissions and operations for several programs, including the MBA, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) MBA, Cybersecurity Graduate Program and Master of Health Administration. From 2017 to 2021, enrollment increased by 53% across all programs.
In addition, she led the development of new initiatives, such as the STEM MBA that launched in fall 2024 and student programs like the MBA Resume Book. MBA students can submit their resumes for inclusion in the book, which is shared with all employers attending the COB Career Fair.
“The most rewarding part of my role is witnessing students’ transformation — from their first inquiries about graduate education to their admissions, graduation and career advancement,” Reger said.
“Supporting students as they achieve their goals, both educational and personal, is what motivates me daily.”
This fall, Reger, who also teaches and holds a Doctor in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri, will transition to a full-time faculty role. She will be an assistant professor in the School of Construction, Design and Project Management.
“I’m passionate about challenging students to think critically and develop the professional skills they need to lead. My teaching is highly participative, fostering dynamic conversations where students expand their perspectives,” she said.
Creating the STEM MBA
Reger notes the STEM MBA was created at MSU to meet students’ needs.
“The development of this program was a stakeholder-driven process,” she said. “We listened to prospective students who were looking for a graduate program that integrated both business and technical expertise.”
The first of its kind at a public institution in Missouri, the STEM MBA combines 50% STEM coursework with strategic business education. It enables students from technical fields, such as engineering and health care to further develop their business acumen while retaining their technical edge.