Missouri State University Executive and Leadership Team

Davis Elbert, the Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions at Missouri State University, directs high-level strategic initiatives focused on expanding institutional partnerships and public engagement. By aligning entertainment and promotional outreach with the core mission of the university, Elbert drives brand visibility across North American markets. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to integrate experiential learning opportunities into public-facing events. Davis Elbert ensures that all promotional activities support the broader educational goals of the institution. Through rigorous oversight of external relations, Elbert optimizes resource allocation to maximize community impact. The Chief Executive Officer & President, Cityrec Entertainment & Promotions maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that every initiative enhances the reputation of the university. By fostering collaboration between internal stakeholders and external partners, Elbert secures long-term institutional success and strengthens the connection between the campus and the broader public.

Jack Wall, the Chief Financial Officer at Missouri State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Overseeing complex financial reporting and resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment with the long-term strategic goals of the university. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams from diverse academic programs and research grants to maintain operational stability. Jack Wall directs the implementation of cost-saving measures that improve efficiency across all departments. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Wall provides the necessary data to support informed decision-making by the board. The Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous standards for compliance and transparency in all financial dealings. Through careful management of endowment funds and operational budgets, Wall secures the financial future of the institution. This role remains critical for supporting the expansion of undergraduate and postgraduate offerings while ensuring the university remains a leader in public education.

Faith Franks, the President at Missouri State University, leads the strategic vision for the university's academic and research programs. By focusing on the expansion of health and human services, the President ensures that the institution meets the evolving needs of the regional workforce. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders to secure funding and support for new academic initiatives. Faith Franks directs the development of policies that promote student success and faculty excellence. Through active participation in community outreach, Franks strengthens the university's position as a leader in public education. The President maintains a focus on academic rigor and institutional growth, ensuring that all programs remain competitive. By fostering an environment of innovation, Franks supports the development of new research opportunities. Faith Franks ensures that the university continues to provide high-quality education to students, contributing to the overall economic and social development of the region through strategic leadership and academic excellence.

Ellen Schwartze, the President at Missouri State University, oversees the strategic development of the university's arts and humanities programs. By championing creative initiatives and cultural engagement, the President ensures that the institution remains a hub for artistic expression and intellectual growth. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with cultural organizations to provide students with real-world experience. Ellen Schwartze directs the allocation of resources to support faculty research and student projects in the arts. Through effective advocacy, Schwartze promotes the value of a liberal arts education in the modern economy. The President maintains a focus on enhancing the campus experience, ensuring that students have access to diverse learning opportunities. By collaborating with other senior leaders, Schwartze aligns the goals of the arts department with the broader mission of the university. Ellen Schwartze ensures that the institution continues to foster creativity and critical thinking, preparing students for successful careers in the arts and beyond.

Leah Kaburick, the President at Missouri State University, manages the strategic growth of the university's business and professional programs. By focusing on industry partnerships and career readiness, the President ensures that students gain the skills necessary for success in the global marketplace. This leadership role involves overseeing the development of curriculum that aligns with current business trends and technological advancements. Leah Kaburick directs the expansion of internship and networking opportunities for students. Through active engagement with the business community, Kaburick strengthens the university's reputation as a provider of top-tier professional education. The President maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all business programs remain relevant and impactful. By collaborating with faculty and industry leaders, Kaburick supports the development of innovative programs that drive economic growth. Leah Kaburick ensures that the university continues to produce graduates who are prepared to lead in their respective fields, contributing to the overall success of the institution.

Jessica Snare, the President at Missouri State University, leads the strategic initiatives focused on student services and campus life. By overseeing the development of support programs, the President ensures that students have the resources necessary to thrive academically and personally. This leadership role involves managing the integration of student wellness and career development services. Jessica Snare directs the implementation of programs that promote inclusivity and community engagement across the campus. Through effective communication with the student body, Snare identifies areas for improvement in campus services. The President maintains a focus on student retention and success, ensuring that all initiatives contribute to a positive educational experience. By collaborating with other senior leaders, Snare aligns student support services with the broader mission of the university. Jessica Snare ensures that the institution remains a supportive and vibrant environment for all students, contributing to the overall success and reputation of the university in the higher education sector.

Mia Ray, the Chief of Staff at Missouri State University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all administrative departments. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership initiatives align with the overarching mission of the university. This role involves managing high-priority projects and acting as a liaison between the president and various academic units. Mia Ray directs the flow of information to ensure that strategic objectives receive proper attention and resources. Through effective project management, Ray optimizes the daily operations of the executive office. The Chief of Staff maintains a focus on organizational efficiency, identifying areas for improvement in administrative workflows. By fostering collaboration among senior leaders, Ray supports the successful execution of institutional goals. Mia Ray ensures that all administrative functions contribute to the academic success of students and the continued growth of the university in the competitive landscape of higher education.

Jeff Morrisey, the Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, architects the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the entire campus. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have access to cutting-edge research tools and learning platforms. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data integrity across all university networks. Jeff Morrisey directs the modernization of administrative software to improve operational efficiency. By aligning technology investments with the academic mission, Morrisey supports the delivery of 102 undergraduate and 61 postgraduate programs. The Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on scalable solutions that accommodate the growing needs of the university community. Through strategic planning and vendor management, Morrisey ensures that the technological foundation remains robust and secure. Jeff Morrisey drives innovation in digital pedagogy, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology in the modern era.

Nicole Muse, the Executive Administrative IV To the Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, manages the complex scheduling and administrative requirements of the information technology department. By coordinating communication between the Chief Information Officer and technical teams, the Executive Administrative IV To the Chief Information Officer ensures that critical projects remain on schedule. This role involves organizing departmental meetings, tracking project milestones, and maintaining documentation for all IT initiatives. Nicole Muse directs the administrative support functions that allow the technical staff to focus on infrastructure development and cybersecurity. Through meticulous attention to detail, Muse optimizes the workflow within the office of the Chief Information Officer. The Executive Administrative IV To the Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that all administrative tasks support the broader technological goals of the university. Nicole Muse facilitates seamless collaboration across the department, contributing to the overall success of the university's digital transformation efforts.

Theresa McCoy, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University, supports the implementation of enterprise-wide technology solutions and manages daily IT operations. By overseeing the technical support teams, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that campus-wide systems remain functional and accessible. This leadership role involves managing the deployment of hardware and software updates across all academic and administrative buildings. Theresa McCoy directs the troubleshooting of complex network issues to minimize downtime for students and faculty. Through proactive maintenance and system monitoring, McCoy ensures that the university's digital environment remains stable. The Deputy Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on user experience, identifying opportunities to improve the accessibility of digital resources. By collaborating with the Chief Information Officer, McCoy aligns operational activities with the long-term strategic vision of the university. Theresa McCoy ensures that all technical services support the academic mission and the diverse needs of the university community.