MSU to combine two colleges

Missouri State University is combining two of its colleges.

The College of Humanities and Public Affairs is merging with the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters to create the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Humanities, according to a news release. That would be the third-largest college at MSU when it becomes official on July 1, 2023.

“This is an exciting time for the university," MSU President Clif Smart said in the release. "The new college demonstrates our commitment to and continued support of the arts and humanities."

Deans Victor Matthews and Shawn Wahl are leading a transition team between Jan. 5 and May 31 to strengthen faculty teaching, research and service collaboration across the arts and humanities.

Wahl, who currently heads the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters, will lead the combined college. As previously announced, Matthews is retiring on June 30, 2023, according to the release.

A list of frequently asked questions set up by MSU indicates "the combination of the two colleges will impact administrative structures and councils, budgets, etc."

"For the 2023-24 academic year, departments will stay intact, though there is a possibility of very limited changes at the department level in this phase," officials said in the FAQ.