Incoming President

Open forum at missouri state university

Incoming President

Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams will become the 12th president of Missouri State University.

“We’re confident Dr. Williams is the right person to lead MSU into the future,” said Board of Governors Chair Lynn Parman. “He is very student focused. He also has proven success in strategic planning, community engagement, legislative advocacy and fundraising.

“Dr. Williams possesses the qualifications and experience necessary to ensure the university continues to thrive and build on its strong foundation.”

Dr. Richard "Biff" Williams

Dr. Richard Williams served as president of Utah Tech University (previously Dixie State University) from 2014 through early 2024. Previously, he served as provost and vice president for academic affairs and founding dean of the College of Nursing, Health and Human Services at Indiana State University. Prior to Indiana State, Williams served as an associate dean of the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, where he was a faculty member; executive associate director of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services; and athletic training department chair.

Williams has a PhD in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University, master’s in athletic training from Indiana State University and a bachelor’s in lifestyle management from Weber State University.

Dr. Richard Williams Missouri State University