Missouri State University Executive and Leadership Team

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 programs, research initiatives, and community engagement strategies, aligning with the university's mission to provide accessible and high-quality education. This role involves fostering collaborations with external stakeholders, including industry partners and government agencies, to enhance the university's market position and impact. By overseeing resource allocation and institutional planning, Davis Elbert ensures the sustained growth and financial health of Missouri State University, driving forward its commitment to student success and scholarly advancement across all departments. The executive's focus remains on cultivating an environment of innovation and academic rigor.

James Cofer, the President at Missouri State University, directs the comprehensive strategic vision and operational leadership for the institution. Cofer's role encompasses guiding academic excellence, fostering research innovation, and ensuring the university's financial stability and growth. This leadership position involves overseeing all academic and administrative departments, cultivating strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders, including alumni and community partners. By championing the university's mission and values, James Cofer drives initiatives that enhance student success, promote scholarly inquiry, and expand the institution's impact. The President's commitment is to advance Missouri State University's standing as a leading public university, ensuring its continued relevance and contribution to higher education and societal progress.

Faith Franks, the President at Missouri State University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution's academic and operational endeavors. Franks is responsible for advancing the university's mission, fostering a culture of academic excellence, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational programs. This critical role involves overseeing institutional planning, resource management, and the development of strategic partnerships that enhance the university's reach and impact. By guiding faculty and staff, Faith Franks cultivates an environment conducive to learning, research, and community engagement. The President's focus remains on strengthening Missouri State University's reputation and effectiveness, ensuring its continued contribution to student development and scholarly advancement within the higher education sector.

Leah Kaburick, the President at Missouri State University, leads the institution with a focus on strategic growth and academic innovation. Kaburick directs the implementation of institutional policies and the advancement of educational objectives, ensuring Missouri State University remains at the forefront of higher education. This executive position involves overseeing key operational areas, fostering collaborative environments, and championing initiatives that enhance student learning outcomes and faculty research endeavors. By guiding the university's trajectory, Leah Kaburick ensures alignment with its core mission and values, promoting a dynamic and supportive campus community. The President's leadership is instrumental in navigating the evolving landscape of education, solidifying the university's commitment to excellence and societal contribution.

Bryant Alvarez, the President at Missouri State University, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the institution. Alvarez is dedicated to advancing the university's academic mission, fostering research excellence, and ensuring a vibrant learning environment for all students. This leadership role involves overseeing institutional planning, resource allocation, and the cultivation of strategic partnerships that amplify the university's impact. By guiding faculty and staff, Bryant Alvarez promotes innovation and collaboration across all departments. The President's commitment is to enhance Missouri State University's standing as a premier public institution, driving forward its objectives in education, research, and community service.

Jessica Snare, the President at Missouri State University, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the institution's academic and administrative functions. Snare is committed to advancing the university's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a dynamic research environment. This role involves guiding institutional planning, managing resources effectively, and cultivating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the university's growth and impact. By leading faculty and staff, Jessica Snare promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student success. The President's focus is on strengthening Missouri State University's position as a leading public university, ensuring its continued relevance and contribution to higher education.

Ellen Schwartze, the President at Missouri State University, directs the strategic vision and operational execution of the institution. Schwartze is dedicated to advancing academic excellence, promoting innovative research, and ensuring the university's commitment to student success. This leadership position involves overseeing all academic and administrative units, fostering a collaborative campus environment, and cultivating strategic partnerships that enhance the university's mission and impact. By guiding faculty and staff, Ellen Schwartze champions initiatives that support learning, discovery, and community engagement. The President's focus remains on elevating Missouri State University's profile as a leading public institution, driving its continued contribution to higher education and societal advancement.

Jeff Morrisey, the Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, architects and executes the institution's comprehensive technology strategy. Morrisey oversees the management and advancement of all information systems, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity protocols, ensuring robust and secure technological operations that support academic and administrative functions. This leadership position involves driving innovation in educational technology, enhancing online learning platforms, and optimizing data management systems to facilitate research and student services. By directing the IT department, Jeff Morrisey ensures seamless integration of technology across campus, supporting faculty, staff, and students with cutting-edge tools and resources. The Chief Information Officer's efforts are critical in maintaining the university's competitive edge in a digitally evolving higher education landscape, directly impacting operational efficiency and the overall student experience.

Mia Ray, the Chief of Staff at Missouri State University, provides strategic support and operational oversight to the executive leadership team. Ray manages key initiatives, facilitates interdepartmental communication, and ensures the efficient execution of institutional priorities. This role involves coordinating projects, preparing executive briefings, and advising on policy development to advance the university's mission. By serving as a central point of contact for critical organizational matters, Mia Ray enhances the effectiveness of the President's office and supports strategic decision-making across all academic and administrative units. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to optimizing internal processes and fostering a cohesive organizational culture, directly contributing to the smooth functioning and strategic alignment of Missouri State University's operations and long-term goals.

Theresa McCoy, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to implement and manage the university's technological infrastructure and services. McCoy focuses on the operational aspects of IT, ensuring the reliability, scalability, and security of systems that support teaching, learning, and research. This leadership position involves overseeing IT support functions, managing system upgrades, and contributing to the development of new technological solutions that enhance the academic and administrative experience for the university community. By working closely with various departments, Theresa McCoy ensures that technology initiatives align with institutional objectives and user needs. The Deputy Chief Information Officer plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and performance of Missouri State University's digital environment, supporting innovation and operational excellence.