MSU provost to retire

Missouri State University Provost Frank Einhellig, a veteran employee at the school, is retiring.

The university's provost since 2011, Einhellig is slated to retire June 30, according to a news release. He additionally serves as chancellor of the Mountain Grove campus and as a professor of biology, and he previously was graduate dean and associate vice president for academic affairs from 1994 to 2011.

“Under Frank’s leadership, our graduate and professional programs and our academic reputation have improved tremendously," MSU President Clif Smart said in the release. "Missouri State wouldn’t be the university it is today without him.”

During Einhellig’s tenure as Graduate College dean and provost, the university increased its number of graduate programs to 66 from 20; added most of its graduate health care programs; launched a pharmacy doctorate program in partnership with University of Missouri-Kansas City; and doubled the number of students taking dual-credit courses, among other highlights. He’s worked at the university since 1992.

“I have been very fortunate to work at Missouri State for the last 30 years,” Einhellig said in the release. “Working with outstanding faculty and the leadership team, we’ve had the opportunity to transform the university into one that is recognized statewide and beyond as a university whose graduates serve their communities and continue to outstanding careers.”

A search for Einhellig’s successor already is underway. Suzanne Shaw, vice president for marketing and communication, and Julie Masterson, dean of the Graduate College, will chair the search committee, and the university hired AGB Search to assist in the process.