Smart to retire from MSU at academic year’s end

Missouri State University President Clif Smart this morning announced his retirement from the school.

Smart, who will turn 63 on Sept. 9, is slated to exit his role in summer 2024, according to a news release. He's led the university since 2011.

“It has been my greatest honor to serve as president of Missouri State University,” Smart said in the release. “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the unyielding dedication and the remarkable passion of our students, faculty and staff. As I approach retirement, I can’t help but smile at the memories we’ve created and the progress we’ve made together.

"This institution will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to see how its story continues to unfold."

Smart joined MSU in December 2007 as general counsel after a 20-year legal career. He was named interim president in June 2011 and president in October 2012, according to past reporting.

MSU plans to conduct a national search for Smart's successor, according to the release. The search is slated to be managed in-house, with a search committee expected to be named by month's end.

Zora Mulligan, who last year was hired to the No. 2 administrative role to Smart after working as commissioner of the state Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, has been viewed as a potential successor, Springfield Business Journal previously reported.

The MSU board this summer OK’d a pay raise for Smart to bring his base salary to $427,409, according to past reporting.

Under Smart's tutelage, MSU completed two comprehensive campaigns to raise a combined $441 million; added buildings including the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center and the Magers Health and Wellness Center; doubled the number of terminal degree programs; and set records in state and federal appropriations, private gifts and grant funding, among other accomplishments, according to the release.

“Missouri State University has thrived under Clif’s leadership,” Board of Governors Chair Chris Waters said in the release. “He saw us through the very challenging years of the pandemic and has moved the university forward in too many ways to name."

Smart additionally announced his retirement from MSU in a video announcement this morning.