Updated: Dunn to retire from MSU after more than 40 years

After more than four decades at Missouri State University, Brent Dunn cannot point to a favorite memory.

The vice president for university advancement – who pulls double-duty as president and CEO of the MSU Foundation – announced plans to retire July 1, 2027.

Dunn said the memories of his time on campus are plentiful and include appearances in the NCAA Final Four in basketball, the College World Series in baseball, record-breaking fundraising campaigns and new and renovated buildings.

“There is not just one,” Dunn said in a July 7 interview. “I got to be there for some really important moments, some historical moments, for the university.”

Dunn joined MSU in 1985 as director of annual giving. He moved up in leadership and responsibilities in development and athletics before stepping into the vice president role in 2007.

“Brent’s impact on Missouri State is impossible to overstate. He has been one of this university’s greatest champions, inspiring generosity and helping transform our campus through his unwavering commitment to our students and mission,” MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams said in a news release.

“He leaves big shoes to fill, and the university is better because of his leadership. I’m thankful for all he’s done and wish him nothing but the best in his well-earned retirement.”

Dunn planned to retire in summer 2023, but the university offered a “retention incentive” – of up to $150,000 over five years – if he agreed to stay.

In mid-2023, Dunn had a base salary of nearly $187,000 and was offered $75,000 to stay through June 2026 and another $37,500 to stay through June 2027.

In an interview, Dunn said he opted to leave in 2027 because university advancement has been working on a strategic plan that will likely result in setting a new fundraising goal.

“It prepares us to start a new campaign,” he said. “It is important to have the same person from start to finish.”

Dunn agreed to stay on, in part, to maintain momentum during the MSU presidential transition. He said by announcing plans to retire now, Williams has time to conduct a national search for his successor and arrange a smooth handoff.

“I’ll stay as long as needed,” he said.

At age 65, Dunn said he plans to continue working but may search for a role that has more of a regular schedule. He calls the MSU job a “lifestyle” that is not 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

“I will continue to work full-time,” he said. “I have not lost any energy.”

According to MSU, Dunn helped achieve record levels of private support, including nearly $50 million raised in gifts, planned giving and pledges for fiscal year 2026.

He oversaw two capital campaigns: Onward, Upward and Our Promise, which raised $274 million and $167 million, respectively. He also participated in The Campaign for SMS, which raised more than $50 million.

MSU said in addition to student scholarships and endowed professorships, Dunn secured headline speakers for the annual Public Affairs Conference and fundraised for building renovations, naming opportunities and new buildings.

Marquee projects included the Pendleton Family School of Accountancy, Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center, Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex, Roy Blunt Hall and John Goodman Amphitheatre in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to work at a great institution where lives are changed for the better. It’s an honor to be a part of Missouri State,” Dunn said in the release. “We still have much to accomplish this fiscal year and I look forward to Missouri State’s continued growth.”