After months of searching, interviews, tours, and open forums, the Missouri State Board of Governors has found its next university president.
Richard “Biff” Williams was revealed as the choice Monday morning in a news release from Lynn Parman, the chair of the Board of Governors at MSU.
He has over 25 years of experience in higher education, including the past decade as president of Utah Tech University from 2014-2024.
Williams also spent time at two other Missouri Valley schools, he was provost and vice president of academic affairs at Indiana State University. Previously, he was an associate dean for the Northern Iowa University College of Education.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in lifestyle management from Weber State, got his master’s in athletic training from Indiana State, and earned his PhD in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State.
Williams was also a finalist to be president of New Mexico State.
He will succeed current MSU president Clif Smart, who announced his retirement in September of last year.
The official press release from Missouri State University can be found here.
Below is also a statement from Springfield Mayor Ken McClure:
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Williams to Springfield and look forward to working with him as we continue the strong relationship between the City of Springfield and Missouri State,” McClure said. “As the city and university continue to grow, our solid relationship will be even more important in ensuring a strong future for all.”
