Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Technology beginning July 1, 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced academic administrator with a passion for innovation, student success, immersive learning, and community engagement. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a collaborative spirit, and the drive to elevate the college’s regional and national profile.

We especially welcome applications from rising leaders—such as seasoned department chairs or associate deans—who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

The College of Business, Communication, and Technology brings together the Plaster School of Business and the Departments of Communication, Mathematics, and Technology. The Plaster School of Business is AACSB accredited and the Industrial Engineering Technology Program within the Department of Technology is ABET accredited.

For more information and a full list of qualifications, please visit our website: https://www.mssu.edu/academics/academic-affairs/dean-search.php.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a discipline represented within the College of Business, Communication, and Technology.
• Academic qualifications and scholarly accomplishments appropriate for a tenured appointment at the rank of associate professor or above.
• Demonstrated success in progressive academic leadership (e.g., department chair, associate dean, or equivalent role).
• Experience or clear potential in fundraising, external relations, and student recruitment.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams and foster a collegial academic environment.
• Experience with accreditation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a visible, approachable, and student-centered leadership style.
• Administrative knowledge and experience managing academic operations, budgets, and personnel.
• Management of accreditation in a discipline represented within the College.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership in academic planning, faculty development, and program enhancement across diverse disciplines.
• Advance the mission of the College through initiatives in fundraising, alumni and community engagement, and student recruitment.
• Support excellence in teaching, research, and service across all departments in the College.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners and regional organizations.
• Participate in local, statewide, national, and international organizations relevant to the College’s goals and objectives.
• Lead efforts in accreditation, budgeting, curriculum development, and strategic planning.
• Foster a collaborative culture among faculty, staff, and students.

Why MSSU:
MSSU's vibrant campus creates an engaging learning environment for approximately 4,100 students. MSSU provides its faculty and staff rewarding career and benefit opportunities that include a generous leave policy, paid holidays, affordable medical and dental insurance options, life and AD&D insurance, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, and employer contribution to a retirement plan. We offer a collaborative workplace with an emphasis on fostering a global perspective with opportunities for advancement. Joining MSSU provides a variety of opportunities for you to attain your career goals, a place where your contributions are valued, and - perhaps most importantly - the ability to make a difference in the lives of our students.

MSSU is a community-driven four-year institution. Expanding graduate and undergraduate programs provide faculty with rich opportunities for service and scholarship. Immersive Learning, Health and Life Sciences, and Global Education are the core pillars of Missouri Southern’s mission and identity. Applicants should be prepared to articulate how they would be able to contribute to these areas, understanding their importance to who we are as a university and what we offer our students. For more information about our mission, visit https://www.mssu.edu/about/mission.php.

MSSU is located in Joplin, MO, which is considered to be the Crossroads of America, and serves as the commercial hub for the four states area. Joplin is a resilient, vibrant, and growing city with a population of over 50,000 serving a combined metro area of 200,000 and a market area of over 350,000 people in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Parks, sports, lakes, hunting, fishing, biking, and entertainment characterize the Joplin region’s quality of life. With a temperate, four-season climate, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors from community parks, to walking and biking trails to floating down one of the many area Ozark streams. Art galleries, museums, concerts, and the variety of shopping and eateries offered throughout the region add to the year-round quality of living in the area. The Joplin area also offers one of the lowest housing costs in the United States, and strong medical care with two major regional medical centers based in Joplin. Joplin schools and those in the nearby communities are some of the most recognized and respected schools in the state. There is quick and easy access to Northwest Arkansas, Kansas City, and Tulsa, as well as numerous outdoor activities and attractions throughout the Ozarks.

MSSU is an EOE employer with a strong institutional commitment to achievement of excellence among faculty and staff. MSSU is an E-verify participating employer. Visit our website to learn more about the advantages of employment at MSSU.

Application Instructions:
Please submit the following materials electronically:

• A cover letter addressing leadership experience, the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, and a vision for the College
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of leadership philosophy
• Contact information for three professional references

To apply, please visit MSSU’s Open Positions page, select the Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Technology listing, and click 'Start Your Application' to begin the submission process.

Review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.

Official transcripts are required within 45 days after contract is issued. Employment is contingent upon a background check.