Missouri State faculty promotion highlights two major academic milestones this year. Missouri State University is proud to celebrate Dr. Wesley Friske’s promotion to Full Professor, recognizing his years of dedicated scholarship, leadership and service. Dr. Gawon Yun has also earned tenure and promotion to Associate Professor for her outstanding contributions to research, teaching and mentorship. Congratulations to both on these well-deserved achievements.

Dr. Friske: Promotion to Full Professor at Missouri State

Dr. Friske joined MSU in 2015 as an Assistant Professor. He earned his doctorate from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. In 2021, he received tenure and was promoted to Associate Professor. The College of Business appointed him as Endowed Chair in February 2024.

Dr. Friske has been a dedicated scholar and leader throughout his time at MSU. He has several research projects in progress. Moreover, he hopes to see all of them published in the next two to three years. He is very involved in service to his discipline and plans to continue his editorial work at the Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Friske (second from left) during his promotion celebration at Missouri State University

“I will also continue to serve on the boards of AMA’s Entrepreneurial Marketing Special Interest Group, the Global Research Conference on Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and the International Small Business Journal.” he adds.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Friske emphasizes the importance of focus for junior faculty.

“It’s easy to get distracted on the path to tenure and promotion, so staying focused on research and effective teaching is key to success.”

Dr. Friske expresses gratitude to those who supported him along the way. He especially thanks colleagues in the Marketing Department, College of Business administrators, and his co-authors.

“I also want to thank my family for helping me achieve my career goals.”

Dr. Yun: From Tenure to New Horizons

After completing her Ph.D. at the University of Rhode Island and teaching both undergraduate and MBA courses, Dr. Gawon Yun joined Missouri State University in 2020 as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management in the Marketing Department.

She is actively building her research agenda. In addition, she collaborates with researchers across diverse interests. Furthermore, she adapts her work to address emerging business challenges. Dr. Yun currently has several projects on performance improvement and sustainability that she looks forward to publishing. She also hopes to help students better connect classroom learning with industry and their future careers.

“I also want to spend more time with family and friends, explore new hobbies, and travel to see different parts of the world.” she adds.

Dr. Yun (second from left) during her promotion celebration at Missouri State University

On the path to tenure, Dr. Yun highlights the importance of collaboration with colleagues, mentors, and students. She emphasizes that success depends on teamwork and seeking guidance.

“Asking for advice and feedback helped me identify areas for improvement and opened opportunities to continue developing.”

Dr. Yun is grateful for the support of colleagues, mentors, co-authors, students, friends, and family throughout her journey.

“Because academic work is rarely done alone, I feel fortunate to collaborate with so many wonderful colleagues and motivated students.”

The Missouri State faculty promotion honors Dr. Wesley Friske and Dr. Gawon Yun for their contributions to research, teaching, and mentorship, and the Marketing Department congratulates them on their achievements.

Read more about faculty achievements and department updates on the Marketing Department News.