June 4, 2019—Dr. Joel Hyer, academic dean at Chadron State College in Nebraska, will be the next dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Missouri Western State University. Dr. Hyer will begin his duties July 1.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Hyer is joining the Missouri Western family,” said Dr. Douglas Davenport, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He brings a wealth of experience and leadership skills that will serve us well as we move forward to advance Missouri Western.”

Dr. Hyer has been at Chadron State since 2001, starting as an assistant professor of history. He served as director of the history and American Indian studies programs, head of the Social Science program and department chair. He began his duties as academic dean in 2011, overseeing the School of Business, Mathematics and Science as well as Graduate Studies. As dean, Dr. Hyer developed and worked with others to implement Chadron State’s plan for reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, resulting in full reaffirmation in 2017.

“It is truly such an honor to accept this position at Missouri Western,” Dr. Hyer said. “I am so impressed with all the efforts toward student learning and student success, especially with the focus on open access, applied learning and ‘every employee an educator.’ I really believe that together we will accomplish some wonderful things.”

Dr. Hyer received his Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Riverside and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees, also in history, from Brigham Young University. He succeeds Dr. Murray Nabors, who will teach biology full-time beginning next year.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.