Suzanne Kissock, Dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies
Sept. 5, 2025–Suzanne Kissock has been named dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies at Missouri Western State University after a national search.
“Suzanne Kissock has served MoWest loyally for more than 20 years, and has built relationships across campus, in St. Joseph and around the state,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, president. “I’m thrilled that she will continue to provide outstanding leadership to the College of Business and Professional Studies.”
Kissock has served as interim dean since last fall. After five years as an adjunct faculty member, she joined MoWest’s full-time faculty in 2005. She has served as assistant dean and legal studies program director in the Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. Prior to her faculty appointment, she practiced law for 10 years, as an assistant public defender and as the supervising attorney for the Juvenile Office, 5th Judicial Circuit (Buchanan County).
“Suzanne is most deserving of this appointment,” said Dr. Jay Johnson, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Her work in the interim dean capacity, as assistant dean and as a faculty member has prepared her well for this role. I know she is ready to help us build the College of Business and Professional Studies into a premier academic unit for our region. I look forward to continuing our work.”
“I am incredibly honored and humbled by this opportunity,” Kissock said. “I deeply believe in making higher education accessible to all. For the past 25 years, I have taught at Missouri Western, and I have found a family in the Griffon students, faculty, and staff. I am proud to call the city of St. Joseph home and want to continue to find ways for the university to collaborate with community partners. I am committed to ensuring our programs address the workforce demands of our region and look forward to fostering innovation, strengthening industry relationships, and empowering our students for success”
As dean, Kissock will oversee the Craig School of Business, the Departments of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, Education, Engineering Technology and Military Science/ROTC as well as the Missouri Western State University Law Enforcement Academy.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest 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.