Truman State University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Truman State University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, executive administration, institutional leadership, chapter governance, and academic society management.

Committed to academic excellence, Truman State University fosters a rigorous liberal arts environment that prepares students for global success through innovative research and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Truman State University

  • Executive Secretary To the President - Hall Laurie
  • President - Taylor Mason
  • Chapter President - Steve Elford
  • Chapter President - Conner Viets
  • President of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Suhani Patel
  • Chapter President - Kellan Mooi
  • President - Madison Williard
  • Chief Information Officer - Donna Liss
  • Board of Governors - Mike McClaskey
  • Chapter Officer - Raiden Petty
  • Hall Laurie - Executive Secretary To the President

    Hall Laurie, the Executive Secretary To the President at Truman State University, manages the administrative operations and communication flow within the office of the university leadership. Coordinating high-level meetings and institutional correspondence, the Executive Secretary To the President ensures that the strategic vision of the university remains aligned with daily operational requirements. This role involves facilitating interactions between the Board of Governors and the executive team to maintain organizational transparency. By streamlining internal processes, Hall Laurie supports the efficient execution of university policies across the Kirksville campus. The Executive Secretary To the President monitors project timelines and ensures that all administrative tasks contribute to the broader goals of the liberal arts mission. Through meticulous record-keeping and stakeholder management, Laurie provides the necessary support to sustain the university's reputation for academic excellence and institutional stability in the competitive higher education sector.

    Taylor Mason - President

    Taylor Mason, the President at Truman State University, architects the overarching strategic vision and academic mission for the institution. Overseeing the university's growth and community impact, the President ensures that the liberal arts curriculum remains relevant and rigorous. This leadership role involves engaging with external stakeholders and the Board of Governors to secure funding and support for campus initiatives. By driving institutional priorities, Taylor Mason maintains the university's status as a premier public institution in Missouri. The President coordinates with faculty and administrative leaders to foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and student success. Through the implementation of long-term development plans, Mason strengthens the university's market position and academic standing. This executive oversight ensures that all departments align with the core values of the institution, ultimately promoting a culture of excellence that prepares graduates for diverse professional paths in a global economy.

    Steve Elford - Chapter President

    Steve Elford, the Chapter President at Truman State University, directs the activities and membership engagement for the specific student organization under the university umbrella. Overseeing the planning of professional development events, the Chapter President ensures that members gain practical experience relevant to the liberal arts and sciences. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to align chapter goals with the broader institutional mission. By fostering a collaborative environment, Steve Elford drives student participation and leadership growth within the organization. The Chapter President manages internal resources and outreach efforts to expand the chapter's influence across the campus community. Through the execution of targeted programming, Elford supports the university's commitment to student-led research and academic networking. This role serves as a vital link between the student body and the university's professional development initiatives, ensuring that members receive the necessary guidance to excel in their respective fields of study.

    Conner Viets - Chapter President

    Conner Viets, the Chapter President at Truman State University, manages the operational logistics and strategic outreach for the student-led organization. Overseeing the recruitment of new members, the Chapter President ensures that the organization maintains a strong presence within the university's academic community. This leadership role involves organizing workshops and seminars that complement the liberal arts curriculum provided by the institution. By facilitating partnerships with local industry leaders, Conner Viets enhances the professional opportunities available to the student membership. The Chapter President coordinates with other student organizations to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and campus-wide engagement. Through the implementation of effective communication strategies, Viets ensures that all members remain informed about upcoming events and institutional resources. This role contributes to the university's mission by providing a platform for students to develop leadership skills and apply their academic knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios.

    Suhani Patel - President of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

    Suhani Patel, the President of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Truman State University, directs the scientific research initiatives and academic programming for the society's local chapter. Overseeing the dissemination of biochemical knowledge, the President of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ensures that students engage with current advancements in molecular science. This leadership role involves organizing laboratory demonstrations and guest lectures that align with the university's focus on the sciences. By fostering a community of inquiry, Suhani Patel drives student interest in research and professional scientific careers. The President of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology manages the chapter's budget and resource allocation to support student-led experiments. Through the promotion of academic excellence, Patel strengthens the university's reputation in the scientific community. This role ensures that students receive the mentorship and resources necessary to succeed in the competitive field of biochemistry.

    Kellan Mooi - Chapter President

    Kellan Mooi, the Chapter President at Truman State University, leads the strategic planning and execution of initiatives for the student organization. Overseeing the development of community service projects, the Chapter President ensures that the organization contributes positively to the university's reputation. This leadership role involves managing member relations and coordinating with university departments to secure necessary support for chapter activities. By driving engagement, Kellan Mooi fosters a sense of belonging and professional purpose among the student body. The Chapter President monitors the effectiveness of organizational programs and adjusts strategies to meet the evolving needs of the students. Through the promotion of academic and social values, Mooi supports the university's mission of holistic education. This role serves as a catalyst for student involvement, ensuring that the organization remains a vibrant part of the campus experience while preparing members for future professional challenges.

    Madison Williard - President

    Madison Williard, the President at Truman State University, leads the strategic initiatives and academic oversight for the student organization. Overseeing the alignment of chapter activities with the university's liberal arts mission, the President ensures that members benefit from a comprehensive educational experience. This leadership role involves representing the organization in university-wide forums and advocating for student interests. By driving collaborative efforts, Madison Williard fosters an environment of innovation and academic excellence. The President manages the organization's long-term vision and ensures that all projects contribute to the professional growth of the membership. Through the implementation of effective leadership strategies, Williard supports the university's goal of preparing students for successful careers. This role is essential for maintaining the organization's impact on campus, ensuring that all activities remain focused on the core values of the institution and the needs of the student body.

    Donna Liss - Chief Information Officer

    Donna Liss, the Chief Information Officer at Truman State University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy across the campus. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that academic resources remain accessible to students and faculty. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data integrity to support the university's mission as a public liberal arts institution. By modernizing network capabilities, Donna Liss optimizes the digital learning environment for the entire campus community. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic departments to implement software solutions that enhance research productivity. Through the deployment of scalable cloud services, Liss maintains the technological backbone necessary for institutional growth. This strategic oversight guarantees that the university remains competitive in the evolving landscape of higher education, providing robust support for both administrative functions and classroom instruction.
    Donna Liss

    Mike McClaskey - Board of Governors

    Mike McClaskey, the Board of Governors at Truman State University, provides fiduciary oversight and strategic guidance for the institution's long-term development. Overseeing the university's financial health and policy framework, the Board of Governors ensures that all institutional decisions align with the public mission of the university. This leadership role involves evaluating administrative performance and approving major capital projects that enhance the campus infrastructure. By maintaining accountability, Mike McClaskey supports the university's commitment to providing high-quality liberal arts education. The Board of Governors collaborates with the President to set institutional goals and monitor progress toward academic and financial targets. Through the review of university policies, McClaskey ensures that the institution remains compliant with state regulations and industry standards. This governance role is essential for maintaining the university's stability and ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to support student success and faculty research initiatives.

    Raiden Petty - Chapter Officer

    Raiden Petty, the Chapter Officer at Truman State University, manages the administrative tasks and event coordination for the student organization. Overseeing the logistics of chapter meetings, the Chapter Officer ensures that all activities run smoothly and adhere to university guidelines. This leadership role involves assisting the Chapter President in the execution of strategic goals and member outreach. By maintaining accurate records and managing communication channels, Raiden Petty supports the organization's operational efficiency. The Chapter Officer facilitates the planning of workshops that enhance the academic experience for students within the liberal arts program. Through the coordination of campus events, Petty helps to build a strong network of peers and faculty mentors. This role is vital for the day-to-day functioning of the organization, ensuring that all members have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for their personal and professional development.

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

    Who leads Truman State University?
    Truman State University is led by Hall Laurie (Executive Secretary To the President), along with executives such as Taylor Mason (President) and Steve Elford (Chapter President).
    Who is part of Truman State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Truman State University includes leaders such as Hall Laurie (Executive Secretary To the President), Taylor Mason (President), Steve Elford (Chapter President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Truman State University have?
    Truman State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Truman State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Truman State University includes roles such as Executive Secretary To the President, President, Chapter President, Chapter President, President of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.