Two longtime leaders at Missouri State University were recently singled out for recognition by the Board of Governors.
Matt Morris, vice president for administration and finance, and Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri State Foundation, were awarded the University Leadership Chair by the Board of Governors.
The designation is for two years. Morris and Dunn will each receive $2,250 per year in supplemental pay.
Dunn, who agreed to stay at the university after attempting to retire, was recognized for successful fundraising efforts and Morris, who absorbed additional financial oversight after a retirement, was praised for managing an extensive list of campus additions and renovations in recent years.
“The board is proud to recognize Matt and Brent with the University Leadership Chair,” said board chair Tim Francka, in a news release.
“Their strategic vision and collaborative approach have been instrumental in advancing Missouri State’s mission. This award reflects our commitment to acknowledging the administrators who make a real difference in our university’s success.”
The board established the University Leadership Chair in 2008 under the leadership of Mary Schrag, who now serves on the Missouri Board of Education. Springfield mayor Jeff Schrag, her husband, is currently on the MSU board. The goal of the endowed chair was to recognize a member of the central administration team who has demonstrated superb leadership.
Dunn, who started working at Missouri State in 1985, led the Onward Upward campaign, which ended in October 2022 and raised $274 million for scholarships, faculty support, new and updated facilities, and program enhancements.
The foundation has secured more than $84 million in additional gifts and commitments since January 2023. Some of the projects that have benefited include:
Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center;
Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex
Roy Blunt Hall
Greenwood interior renewal project
Agriculture Innovation Hub;
Wulff-Risner Agriculture Science Center in West Plains.
Morris has worked at Missouri State for 26 years, serving as a vice president since 2015.
As part of his duties, he oversees planning, design and construction, which is working on more than 180 projects with a combined price tag of nearly $210 million.
More: MSU proposes new on-campus bookstore, BearFest Village and more in long-range planning
“Matt and Brent exemplify the exceptional leadership that drives Missouri State forward,” said MSU President Richard "Biff" Williams, in a release. “Their dedication to fiscal responsibility and advancement excellence has strengthened our university’s foundation and expanded our reach. I’m pleased the board has recognized their outstanding contributions with this well-deserved honor
Some of the projects currently underway include Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, Smart Advancement Center, Cheek Hall renovation, Reynolds Complex, Craig Hall renovation and addition, and the Roy Blunt Hall renovation.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State recognizes 2 officials with University Leadership Chair
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