brett bruner

Dr. Brett Bruner

Aug. 27, 2021–Missouri Western State University has announced that Dr. Brett Bruner has been named assistant vice president and dean of students. Dr. Bruner, currently dean of student engagement at Arkansas Tech University, begins his duties at Missouri Western Aug. 30.

“Brett is a recognized leader in student affairs,” said Dr. Melissa Mace, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “He has a broad range of experiences in a variety of higher education settings, and will provide outstanding service to our students and our community.”

I am honored to join the Missouri Western State University campus community and the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management team,” Dr. Bruner said. “I look forward to supporting Missouri Western students in each of their endeavors.”

The assistant vice president and dean of students supports Missouri Western’s mission of student-centered learning through advocacy, services and programs. Dr. Bruner will provide leadership in areas of student involvement, conduct, health, housing and residential life, diversity, career preparation and more. 

Dr. Bruner has spent the past three years at Arkansas Tech. He previously worked as the director of transition and student conduct at Fort Hays State University and as the director of student life at Baker University. 

A native of Moran, Kansas, Brett holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Baker University, a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Missouri, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Emporia State University. He is currently serving as chair of the 2021 NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education – Region IV-West Conference and has previously served as a member of the national board of directors for NODA: The Association for Orientation, Transition, & Retention in Higher Education, a member of the national advocacy group for the Center for First-Generation Student Success, and past-president of the Arkansas Student Affairs Association.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 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 missouriwestern.edu.