As we head into a new academic year, I want to share some key changes included in the academic realignment plan within the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS).

The realignment will provide statewide leadership in research and tourism, as well as clarity in career advising.

Since the beginning, CNAS has prioritized creating space for interdisciplinary ideas that improve the human experience. I believe these changes will continue that focus.

Below are the changes coming to CNAS. They reflect our commitment to serving our students and faculty.

Introducing a new major

With tourism being the state’s second largest industry after agriculture, CNAS and the Darr College of Agriculture will offer a new interdisciplinary major in tourism. This degree is innovative and the first of its kind in Missouri.

Drs. Toby Dogwiler and Kara Wolfe are leading the development of the degree program.

Clear student pathways

Creating clear student academic pathways ensures students and academic advisors understand similar degree programs.

The pathways being updated include:

• Mechanical engineering technology (MET) and mechanical engineering (ME).
• Information technology and cybersecurity (ITC) and computer science (CSC).
• Pre-health/pre-advising handbook.

The pathways will be completed by Feb. 1, 2024, and reviewed annually.

Ross Hawkins is leading the development of the new pre-health advisement handbook.

Faculty from MET, ME, ITC and CSC, along with dean approval, will review and revise the advisement worksheets.

Biology remains in CNAS

Biology (BIO) will remain a department in CNAS, but course duplication will be discussed with the McQueary College of Health and Human Services and biomedical sciences (BMS).

Faculty from BIO, BMS, chemistry, kinesiology and public health and sports medicine will be making recommendations on reducing duplications across the departments.

All curricular proposals to remove the duplications need to be submitted to college councils by Feb. 1, 2024.

Renovations and expansion

Last December, CNAS announced the renaming of Temple Hall to Roy Blunt Hall and the expansion project. The addition to Blunt Hall should be completed in early 2025, while renovations to the original part of the building should be completed by early 2026.

The addition will include:

• Modern and fully furnished labs.
• Office suites for departments housed in the building (biology; geography, geology and planning; and chemistry and biochemistry).
• Office space for graduate students.
• Collaboration space.

Those updates to Blunt Hall and additional renovations to Cheek Hall will improve the program’s visibility and provide space for new ideas in the field of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Building for the future

Planning for the future and developing successful students in and outside the classroom have continued to be the focus at Missouri State.

Creating new majors, providing updated space for innovative ideas and creating clear academic paths will benefit students and educators in the years to come.

These changes and additions reflect our commitment to preparing students for a successful future in STEM and tourism.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif