Missouri State University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Missouri State University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Missouri State University provides comprehensive academic programs and fosters student success through dedicated leadership and a focus on community impact.

Leadership Roles at Missouri State University

  • Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions - Davis Elbert
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jack Wall
  • President - Leah Kaburick
  • President - Faith Franks
  • President - James Cofer
  • President - Jessica Snare
  • Chief of Staff - Mia Ray
  • Chief Information Officer - Jeff Morrisey
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Theresa McCoy
  • Executive Administrative IV To the Chief Information Officer - Nicole Muse
  • Davis Elbert - Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions

    Davis Elbert, the Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions at Missouri State University, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Elbert's leadership encompasses the development and implementation of academic and administrative policies, ensuring alignment with the university's mission to serve students and the broader community. This executive role involves fostering key stakeholder relationships, including those with government bodies, industry partners, and alumni, to advance the university's goals. By championing innovation and academic excellence, Davis Elbert drives the institution's growth and enhances its reputation as a leading public university. The scope of this position includes guiding institutional development and ensuring long-term financial sustainability and operational efficiency across all university departments.

    Jack Wall - Chief Financial Officer

    Jack Wall, the Chief Financial Officer at Missouri State University, directs the institution's financial operations, fiscal planning, and resource management. Wall is responsible for overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, investments, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and policies. This executive role is pivotal in maintaining the university's financial health, supporting strategic investments in academic programs and infrastructure, and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources. By implementing sound financial strategies and controls, Jack Wall safeguards the university's assets and supports its long-term sustainability and growth objectives. The leadership provided by Wall ensures fiscal responsibility and enables Missouri State University to pursue its educational mission effectively and efficiently across its diverse academic offerings.

    Leah Kaburick - President

    Leah Kaburick, the President at Missouri State University, leads specific institutional initiatives and strategic programs, contributing to the university's overall mission and operational success. Kaburick's focus involves driving forward key projects and ensuring their alignment with the broader goals of academic excellence and student development. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of university governance and the ability to foster collaboration among various academic and administrative units. By championing specific strategic objectives, Leah Kaburick enhances the university's capacity to innovate and serve its student body effectively, contributing to the advancement of educational opportunities and institutional growth within the public university framework.

    Faith Franks - President

    Faith Franks, the President at Missouri State University, directs critical operational areas and strategic planning efforts designed to enhance the university's academic standing and community engagement. Franks oversees specific programs and initiatives that are vital to the institution's mission, ensuring their effective implementation and alignment with institutional goals. This executive role involves fostering interdepartmental cooperation and driving progress on key strategic priorities. By focusing on operational efficiency and program development, Faith Franks contributes significantly to the university's ability to provide high-quality education and support student success, reinforcing Missouri State University's commitment to excellence in higher education.

    James Cofer - President

    James Cofer, the President at Missouri State University, spearheads significant strategic advancements and operational enhancements across key university divisions. Cofer's leadership focuses on driving institutional growth, fostering academic innovation, and ensuring the effective delivery of educational services. This executive position involves overseeing critical projects that support the university's mission and strategic objectives, including the development of new academic programs and the expansion of research capabilities. By guiding these initiatives, James Cofer plays a vital role in strengthening Missouri State University's position as a leading public institution and enhancing its impact on students and the wider community.

    Jessica Snare - President

    Jessica Snare, the President at Missouri State University, leads specific strategic initiatives and operational improvements aimed at advancing the university's educational mission and student support services. Snare's responsibilities include overseeing key projects that enhance academic delivery and institutional effectiveness. This role demands strong leadership in coordinating efforts across various departments to achieve institutional objectives. By focusing on strategic implementation and operational excellence, Jessica Snare contributes to the ongoing development and success of Missouri State University, ensuring that the institution continues to provide valuable educational experiences and support for its student population.

    Mia Ray - Chief of Staff

    Mia Ray, the Chief of Staff at Missouri State University, provides direct support to the executive leadership, managing critical initiatives and ensuring seamless communication across departments. Ray's responsibilities include coordinating strategic projects, facilitating executive meetings, and overseeing the implementation of key institutional priorities. This role demands a deep understanding of university operations and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures. By streamlining administrative processes and enhancing operational efficiency, Mia Ray supports the effective functioning of the university's leadership team. The position involves managing special assignments, preparing executive briefings, and ensuring that strategic objectives are met with precision and timeliness, thereby contributing significantly to the overall governance and strategic direction of Missouri State University.

    Jeff Morrisey - Chief Information Officer

    Jeff Morrisey, the Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, architects and executes the institution's comprehensive technology strategy, ensuring robust and secure digital infrastructure. Morrisey oversees all aspects of information technology, including network operations, data management, cybersecurity, and the implementation of educational technologies that enhance learning and research. This leadership position is critical for supporting the university's academic and administrative functions, driving digital transformation initiatives, and ensuring the availability of cutting-edge technological resources for students, faculty, and staff. By focusing on innovation and operational excellence, Jeff Morrisey ensures that Missouri State University remains at the forefront of technological advancement in higher education, supporting its mission of providing accessible and high-quality educational programs across all disciplines.

    Theresa McCoy - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Theresa McCoy, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, collaborates closely with the Chief Information Officer to manage and advance the university's technology infrastructure and services. McCoy plays a key role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the IT department, focusing on system reliability, user support, and the implementation of new technological solutions. This position is essential for ensuring that the university's digital environment effectively supports academic, research, and administrative activities. By driving operational improvements and managing IT projects, Theresa McCoy contributes significantly to the technological capabilities of Missouri State University, enhancing the overall digital experience for its community and supporting its commitment to innovation in education.

    Nicole Muse - Executive Administrative IV To the Chief Information Officer

    Nicole Muse, the Executive Administrative IV To the Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, provides critical administrative and operational support to the Chief Information Officer and the broader IT leadership team. Muse manages complex scheduling, coordinates executive communications, and facilitates the smooth execution of administrative tasks essential for the IT department's efficiency. This role involves handling sensitive information, organizing key meetings, and ensuring that administrative processes align with the strategic objectives set forth by the CIO. By maintaining organizational structure and supporting executive functions, Nicole Muse ensures that the Chief Information Officer can effectively lead technological initiatives and drive innovation across Missouri State University.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Missouri State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Missouri State University?
    Missouri State University is led by Davis Elbert (Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions), along with executives such as Jack Wall (Chief Financial Officer) and Leah Kaburick (President).
    Who is part of Missouri State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Missouri State University includes leaders such as Davis Elbert (Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions), Jack Wall (Chief Financial Officer), Leah Kaburick (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Missouri State University have?
    Missouri State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Missouri State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Missouri State University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President.