Open Searches

Academic Search specializes in executive searches for colleges, universities, and related organizations—partnering with institutions to assemble the strongest teams possible. We recognize that recruiting strong leaders is crucial to the success of any higher education institution and it is our goal to find the right candidate for each role. We are committed to building exceptional and deep pools of candidates for all searches, and we encourage you to look through our open searches to learn more about the opportunities available at our partner institutions.

Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Application deadline: February 4, 2026

Senior Consultant: Cynthia Patterson
Cynthia.Patterson@academicsearch.org

Senior Consultant: Maria Thompson
maria.thompson@academicsearch.org

Search Manager: Penny Gibbons
Penny.Gibbons@academicsearch.org

Missouri State University (MSU), located in Springfield, invites applications for the position of Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS). The University seeks a visionary, dynamic and energetic leader who will guide and inspire the College to meet expanding and changing educational needs in the areas of Natural and Applied Sciences. As chief administrative officer of the College, the Dean will provide professional, intellectual, and administrative leadership with a focus on student success and the Public Affairs mission of the University. The appointee is expected to begin July 1, 2026.

MSU is a public, comprehensive university system with a distinct mission in public affairs. The University’s commitment to public affairs is grounded in the values of ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. The College of Natural and Applied Sciences is one of six academic colleges at Missouri State University with more than 2,200 majors in seven departments. The following departments offer 46 baccalaureate programs and 43 master’s programs (all including certificates).

Biology
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Computer Science
Cooperative Engineering Program (in conjunction with Missouri Science & Technology)
Mathematics
Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science
School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

For more information about the position, institution, leadership agenda, qualifications, and application instructions, please review the full position profile from the Academic Search website: Current Open Searches

Dr. Cynthia Patterson and Dr. Maria Thompson, Managing Directors and Senior Consultants with Academic Search, are assisting Missouri State in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in strict confidence. To learn more about this opportunity, or to schedule a confidential call, potential applicants are welcome to submit their CV’s to MSUDeanCNAS@academicsearch.org.

Although the search remains open until the position is filled, for full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit all application materials by Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations by sending the nominee’s full name, position, institution/organization, and email address to MSUDeanCNAS@academicsearch.org.

Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution.