Key Responsibilities Qualifications Why MSSU Application Instructions Search Committee
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Technology beginning January 2, 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced academic administrator with a passion for innovation, student success, and community engagement. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a collaborative spirit, and the drive to elevate the college’s regional and national profile.
We especially welcome applications from rising leaders—such as seasoned department chairs or associate deans—who are ready to take the next step in their careers.
The College of Business, Communication, and Technology brings together the Plaster School of Business and the Departments of Communication, Mathematics, and Technology.
Preferred Qualifications:
MSSU's vibrant campus creates an engaging learning environment for approximately 4,000 students. MSSU provides its faculty and staff rewarding career and benefit opportunities that include a generous leave policy, paid holidays, affordable medical and dental insurance options, life and AD&D insurance, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, and employer contribution to a retirement plan. We offer a collaborative workplace with an emphasis on fostering a global perspective with opportunities for advancement. Joining the MSSU Pride provides a variety of opportunities for you to attain your career goals, a place where your contributions are valued, and - perhaps most importantly - the ability to make a difference in the lives of our students.
MSSU is a community-driven four-year institution. Expanding graduate and undergraduate programs provide faculty with rich opportunities for service and scholarship. International-focused semesters and enriching cultural events in theater, art, music, and film create an engaging learning environment for students and citizens of the region. MSSU is located in Joplin, MO, which is considered to be the Crossroads of America, and serves as the commercial hub for the four states area. Joplin is a resilient, vibrant, and growing city with a population of over 50,000 serving a combined metro area of 200,000 and a market area of over 350,000 people in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Parks, sports, lakes, hunting, fishing, biking, and entertainment characterize the Joplin region’s quality of life. With a temperate, four-season climate, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors from community parks, to walking and biking trails to floating down one of the many area Ozark streams. Art galleries, museums, concerts, and the variety of shopping and eateries offered throughout the region add to the year-round quality of living in the area. The Joplin area also offers one of the lowest housing costs in the United States, and strong medical care with two major regional medical centers based in Joplin. Joplin schools and those in the nearby communities are some of the most recognized and respected schools in the state. There is quick and easy access to Northwest Arkansas, Kansas City, and Tulsa, as well as numerous outdoor activities and attractions throughout the Ozarks.
MSSU is an EOE employer with a strong institutional commitment to achievement of excellence among faculty and staff. MSSU is an E-verify participating employer.
Learn More
Please submit the following materials electronically:
To apply, please visit MSSU’s Open Positions page, select the Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Technology listing, and click 'Start Your Application' to begin the submission process.
Review of applications will begin August 1st and continue until the position is filled.
Official transcripts are required within 45 days after contract is issued. Employment is contingent upon a background check.
