Dr. Michael T. Nietzel became Missouri State University's ninth president on July 1, 2005. The President is the chief executive officer of the university and is responsible to the Board of Governors. Under Dr. Nietzel's leadership, the University intends to achieve five goals.

• Interview with Dr. Nietzel about the five goals

Democratize Society

Higher education will be increasingly crucial to individuals being successful participants in 21st century society, and Missouri State will accomplish this goal by ensuring access to high-quality public education for students from diverse backgrounds.

• Interview with Dr. Nietzel about democratizing society

Incubate New Ideas

Universities will continue to be the source of most new scientific discoveries and technological innovations, and toward that end, Missouri State will expand its research investments and initiatives.

• Interview with Dr. Nietzel about incubating new ideas

Imagine Missouri's Future

Our campus will be an institution where we educate one another about choices concerning priorities and values through open and informed dialogue and scholarly engagement.

• Interview with Dr. Nietzel about imagining Missouri's future

Help Make Missouri's Future

Our graduates should be well-informed, confident and conscientious leaders, the result of both a breadth of opportunities and a depth of learning that comes from rigorous standards in the classroom, in research, and in extracurricular activities.

• Interview with Dr. Nietzel about helping make Missouri's future

Model Ethical Behavior

To be true to our statewide mission in public affairs, we must be an institution known not just for the quality of its outcomes, but also the constant integrity of how it does its work, especially when it comes to inclusiveness and social progress.