Missouri State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Missouri State University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, administrative operations, and academic leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and practical skill application, Missouri State University delivers graduate-level business education through diverse degree programs and AACSB-accredited curricula designed to foster professional growth.

Leadership Roles at Missouri State University

  • Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions - Davis Elbert
  • President - Sindhiya Ramakrishnan
  • President - Jessica Snare
  • President - Ellen Schwartze
  • President - Robert Thompson
  • President - Leah Kaburick
  • Chief Information Officer - Jeff Morrisey
  • Chief of Staff - Mia Ray
  • 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 high-level strategic initiatives for the institution. Elbert manages external partnerships and promotional outreach to elevate the university brand across regional markets. By aligning institutional goals with broader educational trends, the Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in graduate business education. Elbert oversees the integration of practical business applications into the academic framework, supporting the mission of the Master of Business Administration program. Through rigorous oversight of promotional activities, Davis Elbert drives enrollment growth and enhances the visibility of the university. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with faculty to ensure the curriculum meets industry standards. Ultimately, Elbert secures the long-term reputation of the institution by fostering strong connections between academic programs and the professional business community.

    Sindhiya Ramakrishnan - President

    Sindhiya Ramakrishnan, the President at Missouri State University, directs the overall academic and administrative vision of the institution. Ramakrishnan focuses on the expansion of the Master of Business Administration program, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to current market demands. By fostering relationships with industry leaders, the President secures opportunities for practical application of skills for students. Ramakrishnan oversees the allocation of resources to support faculty research and student advising services. This leadership role involves representing the university in regional and national academic forums to enhance the institution's reputation. Through the promotion of academic excellence, Sindhiya Ramakrishnan directly impacts the career outcomes of graduates. Ramakrishnan ensures that the university maintains its AACSB accreditation by upholding rigorous standards in all degree programs. Ultimately, the President drives the long-term growth and sustainability of the university's business education offerings.

    Jessica Snare - President

    Jessica Snare, the President at Missouri State University, leads the strategic development of the university's graduate certificate programs. Snare focuses on the integration of specialized business training into the existing academic portfolio to meet the needs of working professionals. By analyzing market trends, the President identifies new areas for program growth and curriculum enhancement. Snare collaborates with the faculty to ensure that the educational content provides practical value to students seeking career advancement. This leadership role involves managing the university's outreach efforts to attract a diverse student body to the Online Program. Through the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies, Jessica Snare directly impacts the quality of the learning experience. Snare ensures that the university remains a leader in business education by continuously refining the academic offerings. Ultimately, the President secures the institution's position as a premier provider of graduate-level business training.

    Ellen Schwartze - President

    Ellen Schwartze, the President at Missouri State University, oversees the financial health and operational sustainability of the university's business school. Schwartze directs the budgeting process to ensure that the Master of Business Administration program receives adequate funding for faculty and facilities. By monitoring fiscal performance, the President ensures that the university can continue to provide high-quality education at a competitive cost. Schwartze manages the relationships with donors and alumni to support scholarship programs and infrastructure improvements. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of various academic departments while maintaining the overall mission of the institution. Through the prudent management of financial resources, Ellen Schwartze directly impacts the long-term viability of the university. Schwartze ensures that all fiscal decisions align with the goal of providing an accessible and excellent graduate education to students across the region.

    Robert Thompson - President

    Robert Thompson, the President at Missouri State University, leads the university's efforts in community engagement and regional economic development. Thompson focuses on building partnerships with local businesses to create internship and employment opportunities for students in the Master of Business Administration program. By connecting the academic curriculum with real-world business challenges, the President ensures that graduates possess the skills necessary for professional success. Thompson oversees the university's public relations strategy to highlight the achievements of the faculty and the impact of the graduate programs. This leadership role involves advocating for the university's interests at the state and national levels. Through the cultivation of strong community ties, Robert Thompson directly impacts the university's role as a catalyst for regional growth. Thompson ensures that the institution remains a vital resource for individuals looking to enhance their careers through academic excellence.

    Leah Kaburick - President

    Leah Kaburick, the President at Missouri State University, directs the university's commitment to student success and personalized advising. Kaburick focuses on the development of support services that help students navigate the Traditional Program and the Accelerated 4+1 Program. By ensuring that students have access to expert faculty and career counseling, the President enhances the overall value of the graduate business education. Kaburick oversees the implementation of student-centered policies that promote academic achievement and professional development. This leadership role involves evaluating the effectiveness of student support programs and making data-driven improvements. Through the prioritization of the student experience, Leah Kaburick directly impacts the retention and graduation rates of the university. Kaburick ensures that the institution remains dedicated to the success of every individual seeking to advance their career through the Master of Business Administration program.

    Jeff Morrisey - Chief Information Officer

    Jeff Morrisey, the Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the Master of Business Administration program. Morrisey manages the technological systems required for the Online Program and traditional classroom delivery. By optimizing data security and network reliability, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to educational resources for students across diverse geographic locations. Morrisey directs the implementation of advanced learning management tools that facilitate personalized advising and faculty interaction. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to integrate digital solutions into the core curriculum. Through the modernization of campus-wide information systems, Jeff Morrisey directly impacts the efficiency of administrative operations. Morrisey maintains the integrity of the university's digital assets, ensuring that all technological initiatives align with the broader goal of providing high-quality graduate business education to a global student body.

    Mia Ray - Chief of Staff

    Mia Ray, the Chief of Staff at Missouri State University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the university leadership team. Ray manages the flow of information between the administration and the various academic departments, including the Master of Business Administration program. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic objectives receive proper attention and resources. Ray oversees the execution of institutional policies, ensuring alignment with AACSB accreditation standards. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that support the university's mission of academic excellence. Through the optimization of administrative workflows, Mia Ray directly impacts the operational efficiency of the institution. Ray maintains a focus on fostering a collaborative environment where faculty and staff can deliver high-quality education. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational stability necessary for the university to provide practical business training to students.

    Theresa Mccoy - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Theresa Mccoy, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, executes the technical strategy for the university's information systems. Mccoy focuses on the maintenance of hardware and software platforms that support the Accelerated 4+1 Program and other graduate offerings. By supervising the technical support teams, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty experience minimal disruption during academic activities. Mccoy collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to implement scalable cloud solutions that accommodate the growing needs of the business school. This leadership role involves monitoring system performance and identifying opportunities for digital innovation. Through the management of critical IT infrastructure, Theresa Mccoy directly impacts the reliability of the university's online learning environment. Mccoy ensures that all technical operations remain compliant with institutional security protocols, thereby protecting the integrity of the academic data and the overall educational experience.

    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, manages the administrative functions of the information technology department. Muse coordinates scheduling, documentation, and communication for the IT leadership team, ensuring that strategic projects remain on track. By organizing the operational workflow, the Executive Administrative IV To the Chief Information Officer supports the successful delivery of digital services to the Master of Business Administration program. Muse facilitates the preparation of reports and data analysis required for institutional decision-making. This leadership role involves maintaining clear lines of communication between the IT department and other university stakeholders. Through the meticulous management of administrative tasks, Nicole Muse directly impacts the productivity of the technical staff. Muse ensures that all departmental activities align with the university's mission of providing a robust and reliable educational environment for all graduate students.

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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 Sindhiya Ramakrishnan (President) and Jessica Snare (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), Sindhiya Ramakrishnan (President), Jessica Snare (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, President, President, President, President.