On July 1, 2025, Dr. Gary Michelfelder will become the new director of the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability.

He takes over from current director Dr. Toby Dogwiler, who will return to a faculty position. Dogwiler plans to turn his focus back to teaching and research endeavors. He has played an invaluable leadership role, first as department head and then as school director for the past nine to 10 years. 

Michelfelder has been an associate professor of geology at Missouri State University for 12 years and is a Roy L. Blunt Life Sciences Endowed Professor. A geochemist and a volcanologist, his research involves the behavior and accumulation of magma on the Earth’s crust. 

Leadership and service

Michelfelder honed his leadership experience in the military.  

“I’ve a lot of leadership experience from 20–plus years in the military,” he said. “I served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard here in Missouri and other places around the country.”  

Senior instructor Damon Bassett has been faculty peers with Michelfelder since 2013. He describes his faith in Michelfelder’s ability to lead the school.  

“Gary is a fantastic volcanologist and educator,” he said. “He’ll be successful because he loves the school and university and is willing to sacrifice his time for the benefit of his colleagues. I look forward to his time as the director of SEES.” 

Michelfelder’s interest in the position sparked from the opportunity to grow the school’s outreach.  

“We have an opportunity to expand and take a leadership role within the College of Natural and Applied Sciences,” Michelfelder said. “I’m excited to lead the school in its next chapter as we move into the new building (Roy Blunt Hall addition).”  

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