Missouri State University has removed the word “interim” from one of its dean’s titles.
Melissa Bledsoe has been named dean of the university’s William H. Darr College of Agriculture, according to a press release from MSU. She has been working in the position as an interim dean since June 2023; her role will become permanent on May 1. She was chosen for the post after a national search.
“Dr. Bledsoe is the right choice to lead the Darr College of Agriculture as it continues to evolve, offering unique ‘farm-to-fork' curriculum and learning experiences,” said Provost John Jasinski in a press release. “Her student-focused, team-oriented and results-driven approach — combined with her understanding of changing internal needs and external expectations — will serve the college well for years to come.”
Bledsoe joined the school’s agriculture program in 2013 as an assistant professor. She advanced to associate professor in 2019, and interim associate dean in January 2023.
She is also an MSU alumni: She earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture in 2002, and a master’s degree in plant science. She earned her doctorate in plant, insect and microbial sciences from the University of Missouri, and worked for that university from 2010 to 2013.
The university highlighted her award-winning research on soil nutrition and her leadership advising students. She has won the Outstanding Thesis Advisor Award from the Missouri State Graduate College, and is an endowed professor through the Clif and Gail Smart Professor in Agriculture Award.
Over the last year, the agriculture college was part of a realignment that placed agriculture and hospitality under the same umbrella. As part of a farm-to-fork philosophy, the college now groups hospitality leadership and agribusiness, education and communications in one school and animal science and environmental plant science and natural resources in the other.
Bledsoe said she is excited to lead the college during this transition.
“The momentum of the Darr College of Agriculture is fueled by many opportunities on the horizon. I look forward to working with colleagues and the ag community to develop our programs to support the agriculture industry,” Bledsoe said in a press release. “It’s all for our students to learn, grow, and lead the future of agriculture. What an exciting time to be dean.”
