Last week Dr. Frank Einhellig announced that he will retire on June 30, 2022. Frank has worked at Missouri State University for 30 years.
Starting his career as a science teacher in Shawnee Mission High School, his life’s work embodies science education.
Before coming to Missouri State, Frank worked in research and teaching roles at Augustana College, the Black Hills Natural Science Field Station, and the USDA.
Frank began his tenure-track faculty and administrative journey at the University of South Dakota.
In 1992, Missouri State hired Frank as dean of the Graduate College and associate vice president for academic affairs. He will retire having served for the past 11 years as our provost.
Monumental change during his tenure
Under Frank’s leadership, graduate enrollment at Missouri State has grown by more than 250%.
We now have more than 4,200 graduate students, a statewide mission in public affairs, and an international reputation as a leader in graduate education. This success is the hallmark of Frank’s work at Missouri State.
This past fall, Frank led efforts to once again advance graduate education at MSU. His work to secure a state-approved mission change, paving the way for future professional doctorate programs at MSU, will change the face of our university forever.
Dr. Einhellig tirelessly advocated for faculty interests, shared governance and student success.
Throughout his career, he taught classes and advised students, even after taking on leadership roles that made it much more difficult to spend one-on-one time with students.
Dr. Einhellig also mentored and interacted directly with faculty members, from new instructors to long-tenured professors.
Countless students and faculty would not have achieved their dreams but for Dr. Einhellig’s rich investment in their lives.
Serving side-by-side
In 2011, my first act as then-interim president was to name Frank as interim provost. The “interim” tag is no longer part of either of our titles, but my confidence in Frank has never wavered.
Frank is one of the smartest and hardest working people I have ever met. His passion for academic life, research and the social importance of science is inspiring. Frank has truly lived out his beliefs, and we have benefited.
I hope you will join me in thanking Frank for everything he has done for our university. We could not have accomplished all that we have achieved without Frank’s leadership.
New title for the position
As we search for our next provost, it is important to make it abundantly clear that, in addition to being our chief academic officer, our new provost is the second-in-command at the university.
I will modify the title to “Executive Vice President and Provost” and adjust the job description to reflect this change.
Timeline for the search
It is critical that we hire a new provost before fall 2022.
It is also important that faculty and other members of our campus community have the opportunity to participate in finalist interviews and provide meaningful input. This means we must interview finalists before the end of this semester.
This is an ambitious but achievable timeline. To meet this timeline, we have hired AGB Search to assist us in creating a pool of qualified candidates. Janice Fitzgerald and Jim McCormick will be our main points of contact.
We have also formed a search committee that represents a broad cross-section of our campus community. Dr. Julie Masterson and Suzanne Shaw have graciously agreed to co-chair this committee.
You can find details about this search on the executive vice president and provost search webpage.
Provide your feedback
AGB Search will host virtual listening sessions this week to learn what qualities our campus community thinks are important in the next provost. I would encourage all members of our campus community to find a session that works on your schedule and provide input.
Email Julie (JulieMasterson@missouristate.edu) or Suzanne (SuzanneShaw@missouristate.edu) if you do not see a session that works for you. They will convey your feedback or put you in touch with our contacts at AGB Search.
In addition to attending a virtual listening session, I encourage you to provide input about the characteristics you value in this position by completing an online survey.
As this search moves forward, please also feel free to provide any input you have directly to me at president@missourstate.edu.
Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!
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