Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams will serve as the 12th president of Missouri State University, the university board of governors announced Monday morning. He will start the job July 1.
In a written statement, Missouri State board of governors chair Lynn Parman said, "We're confident Dr. Williams is the right person to lead MSU into the future. He is very student focused. He has also proven success in strategic planning, community engagement, legislative advocacy and fundraising."
A a press conference held over Zoom not long after the announcement, KSMU asked Williams what his first priority would be when he starts the job this summer.
Williams said, “I think my first priority is to listen, to listen and to learn. I believe in a collaborative administration where we’re working with everyone, where we’re one big team.”
Most recently, Williams served as president of Utah Tech University. He also worked for Indiana State University as provost and vice president for academic affairs, and was an associate dean at the University of Northern Iowa.
A former physical education teacher in Texas, Williams has a PhD in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University.
In a Monday-morning written statement, Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said he was “excited to welcome” Williams to the community and said the “solid” relationship between the city and the university will continue to be “important in ensuring a strong future for all.”
After leading Missouri State University since 2011, current President Clif Smart is set to retire this summer.
