Missouri State names its next provost, vice president of academic affairs

Clarenda Phillips, picked as the next provost of Missouri State, said the university’s public affairs mission was one of the many reasons she was interested in the job.

“What it said to me is that this is a community that cares about connecting with others, and this is a community that cares about getting students civically involved to make the world a better place,” she said during her open forum on campus Feb. 11.

Phillips was one of five finalists for the position, including three who currently or previously worked for the higher education institution.

The new vice president of academic affairs has more than 30 years of experience. She has been a provost at two other universities.

“Dr. Phillips’ deep understanding of higher education’s challenges and her experience, enthusiasm and vision made her the clear choice for Missouri State,” said MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams, as part of the announcement.

“What impressed us most was her commitment to making higher education accessible and valuable for all students, particularly those who started but never finished their degrees. Her strategic vision of leveraging technology while maintaining personal connections with students is exactly what Missouri State needs as we work to demonstrate our value in today’s changing landscape.”

Phillips will step into the role July 1. Tamera Jahnke, a long-time dean at Missouri State, will continue to serve as interim until her arrival.

This the university’s first national search for a provost in at least 13 years, and it drew strong interest, attracting more than 80 applicants.

The past two provosts — the long-tenured Frank Einhellig and John Jasinski, whose time was more brief — were both recruited by former president Clif Smart.

In the forum, Phillips said with professional development, leaders can reach their potential.

“I’m looking to empower and equip. I’m looking to give people authority to carry out their responsibilities. I’m also giving people a voice in sort of the decision-making and that is how I lead,” she said.

More: 3 external candidates for MSU provost role talk about their approach to leadership

Phillips is the Texas A&M University System lead for Re-Imagining STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Equity Utilizing Postdoctoral Pathways.

She spent six years as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, as well as the same role at Notre Dame of Maryland University from 2016-18.

“I’m excited to serve at Missouri State because I see tremendous potential for us to redefine the higher education value proposition together,” Phillips said in the release. “This is a university where people continuously learn, grow and evolve — where we can figure it all out and innovate together.”

She added: “With the public affairs mission, we can bridge divides among diverse students while investing in faculty, embracing technology and building community partnerships. I’m eager to work to ensure our graduates make a real difference in their communities.”

Phillips was associate vice president of academic affairs from 2012-16 and department chair of sociology, social work and criminology from 2007-12 at Morehead State University.

Since 2023, she has worked with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities as faculty for the Academy of New Provosts.

She has a bachelor’s in sociology from DePauw University, a master’s and doctorate in sociology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State University names Clarenda Phillips next provost