MSU provost sets retirement date

Last edited 1:08 p.m., Oct. 22, 2024 [Editor's note: Comment from John Jasinski has been added.]

Missouri State University's two-year provost who was a finalist for the president's role this year has set his retirement date from the Springfield-based higher education institution.

John Jasinski, who has been MSU's provost since summer 2022, is set to retire from the university on June 30, 2025, according to a news release. Jasinski said via email that his retirement is just from MSU.

“We’re grateful to Dr. Jasinski for his dedicated service since 2022,” MSU President Biff Williams said in the release. “His leadership, particularly in guiding the academic realignment, has strengthened our institution and positioned us for continued success.”

MSU officials say the search for Jasinski's successor has started, with applications for the position opening today. The provost serves as MSU's chief academic officer, providing primary administrative leadership, direction and evaluation for faculty affairs.

Brad Bodenhausen, MSU vice president for community and global partnerships, and Marjorie Shavers, College of Education associate dean, are serving as co-chairs for a provost search committee with 17 members including faculty and staff, according to the release.

The first date of consideration is scheduled Dec. 2, with finalists slated to be on campus for interviews in February 2025 and a successor named by March 2025. The goal is to have a new provost start by July 1 next year in time for the new academic year.

Jasinski joined MSU, first as interim provost, in July 2022 after 13 years as president for Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, according to past reporting.

Jasinski was a finalist for MSU president in January along with Williams, former president of Utah Tech University, and Roger Thompson, vice president for student services and enrollment management at the University of Oregon. Williams was selected to succeed former President Clif Smart in March and took on the job this summer.

The MSU Board of Governors voted in May to extend Jasinski's contract through at least June 30, 2025, with an annual salary of $325,000.