Dr. Tamera Jahnke was named interim provost, effective December 21. Jahnke’s history with Missouri State extends back to 1986, when she joined the chemistry faculty. Since 2006, she’s served as dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS). During that time, CNAS has clocked a lot of wins, including the rollout of new programs, like the cooperative engineering program, the Master of Science in computer science and several certificates; the introduction of CNAS Undergraduate Research Day; major lab renovations; and the transformational expansion of Blunt Hall.

Jahnke says she loves what she does because she gets to help people live out their passions — whether that means unlocking students’ scientific talents or supporting faculty as they work toward professional goals. Her own research interests include lipid peroxidation products, antiviral drug synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of organic molecules. She earned bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Iowa.
When Jahnke’s not in the office, you may find her on a hiking trail, preferably in a national park. Among many memorable trips, the time she hiked the Grand Canyon with her friends Gail Smart, Elizabeth Bennett, Kathy Shade and Colette Witkowski stands out. They hiked through the canyon rim to rim — 21 miles in three days.
If hiking is on your 2025 wish list, Jahnke recommends small things that make a big difference. “Make sure you have great boots and socks, and carry plenty of water,” she says.
Upcoming Priorities

This spring, Jahnke says you can expect academic affairs processes to unfold the way they normally do. These include tenure and promotion processes as well as the completion of ongoing searches for new faculty or academic unit leaders.
Jahnke will also continue to direct preparation for the Higher Learning Commission’s comprehensive evaluation and site visit, which is on the horizon for 2026. An oversight committee, chaired by Jahnke, is working through the necessary steps for this evaluation.
Other academic affairs priorities are defined in the current continuous agility process (CAP). As part of the academic affairs leadership team, Jahnke was deeply engaged with the development and articulation of these priorities. “The CAP agenda is set,” she says. “We recently met to review CAP items, and we determined that they’re on track.”
Beyond these items, the ongoing development of the university’s new strategic plan will continue to be a focus. “Academic affairs has excellent representation on the committee, and we’ll do everything we can to support the development of a great plan,” Jahnke says.
Around Campus…
“For my own wellness and mental health, every morning I either run or work out at Foster Recreation Center or go for a very long walk,” Jahnke says. It’s part of her strategy for managing a hectic schedule and numerous responsibilities.
She loves to see others prioritize their well-being, too. “That’s something for all of us to remember: We have to take care of ourselves,” she says.
Employee Wellness Programs
If you’re looking for new ways to make time for self-care, Missouri State’s employee wellness programs can help. Check out spring 2025 offerings in tai chi, yoga, nutrition and other interest areas. For the latest wellness opportunities, follow the Wellness Works blog.