MSU vet to return to faculty

A longtime Missouri State University administrator is returning this summer to the faculty after a three-year stint working at Drury University.

Chris Craig, director of Drury's School of Education and Development, will return to MSU as its associate provost for faculty and academic affairs. He'll work under Frank Einhellig, who was appointed interim provost of the school as one of MSU Interim President Clif Smart's first acts of business.

"I think the conditions at Missouri State are such that we can do great things," Craig said.

Craig will succeed John Catau, who is retiring from the position. Craig said he currently is working with Drury to tie up some loose ends and has a contract obligation until June 1.

As associate provost for faculty and academic affairs, Craig will focus on faculty issues, work with the General Education Task Force and oversee tenure and promotion processes, as well as other faculty issues, according to an MSU news release.

Einhellig could not be reached this morning for comment, but in the release, he noted his excitement to bring Craig back to campus.

"At Missouri State, we work as a faculty-administrative team, and the talents Dr. Craig brings to the position will help us move the university forward," Einhellig said in the release.

Prior to joining the staff at Drury, Craig worked for MSU for 15 years in several positions, most recently as associate provost for faculty. He also worked for about 10 years for Springfield Public Schools in a variety of positions, the release said.