Next provost named at MSU

Missouri State University has appointed its next provost.

Clarenda Phillips is scheduled to start July 1 as MSU's provost and vice president of academic affairs, according to a news release. She'll succeed John Jasinski, whose last official day was Feb. 1 after serving as provost since 2022.

Phillips, who has more than 30 years of higher education experience, is currently the system lead for reimagining STEM equity at Texas A&M University. Her career also includes serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and in the same role at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

“Dr. Phillips’ deep understanding of higher education’s challenges and her experience, enthusiasm and vision made her the clear choice for Missouri State,” MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams said in the release. “What impressed us most was her commitment to making higher education accessible and valuable for all students, particularly those who started but never finished their degrees. Her strategic vision of leveraging technology while maintaining personal connections with students is exactly what Missouri State needs as we work to demonstrate our value in today’s changing landscape."

Phillips was among five finalists announced in January out of more than 80 applicants, according to past reporting. Tamera Jahnke, dean of the MSU College of Natural and Applied Sciences, was named interim provost in December and will continue to hold that post until Phillips starts.

“I'm excited to serve at Missouri State because I see tremendous potential for us to redefine the higher education value proposition together,” Phillips said in the release. “This is a university where people continuously learn, grow and evolve – where we can figure it all out and innovate together.

“With the public affairs mission, we can bridge divides among diverse students while investing in faculty, embracing technology and building community partnerships."

MSU Public Relations Strategist Emily Letterman said via email that Phillip’s employment was finalized with an appointment letter rather than a contract.

"An appointment letter is considered a closed personnel record," Letterman said, declining to disclose Phillips' salary for the provost role.