Missouri State's 'greatest advocate' to retire after raising millions for university

Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader
·3 min read

The Missouri State official who led the largest and most successful fundraising campaign in the university's history announced plans Tuesday to retire.

Brent Dunn, who recently shared the stage with campaign chair John Goodman during the celebration, plans to step away Aug. 1.

He has spent nearly four decades at the university, starting with a stint as director of annual giving in 1985. He later became the athletics development director.

Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement at Missouri State University, will retire Aug. 1.
Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement at Missouri State University, will retire Aug. 1.

Dunn, vice president of university advancement, was named executive director of the Missouri State University Foundation in 2007. A national search for his replacement will be launched.

“What we’ve been able to do at Missouri State, thanks to the friends of the university, has been nothing short of incredible,” Dunn said, in a Tuesday news release. “I have loved seeing the transformation and experiencing the campus through so many iterations.

Dunn added that his commitment to the university will not end with the retirement. “I cannot imagine a day where I don’t attend an MSU event or share the great stories of the many students, faculty, alumni and staff I am privileged to know.”

More:Missouri State 'not the same university' after $250M+ fundraising campaign

Under his leadership, the foundation that raises private money to support students and the campus has grown significantly in both alumni engagement and donations.

“In his 38-year career at MSU, Brent has accomplished more than anyone ever thought possible,” said MSU President Clif Smart, in a news release.

“He is the university’s greatest advocate and has been tremendously important to our success.

Brent Dunn, right, celebrated the end of the Missouri State's Onward, Upward campaign on Oct. 29 with campaign chair John Goodman.
Brent Dunn, right, celebrated the end of the Missouri State's Onward, Upward campaign on Oct. 29 with campaign chair John Goodman.

Smart added: “Because he genuinely loves the university, I know he will continue to be involved here the rest of his life. I will, however, miss the regular interaction I have had the last 12 years with someone who has become a good friend.”

In the five-year Onward, Upward campaign that concluded last month, the university raised $274 million and the following areas benefited:

  • Academic programs − more than $118 million;

  • New scholarships − nearly $80 million;

  • New buildings and facility improvements − more than $70 million;

  • Faculty support − $5 million.

The day of the celebration, Dunn said the campaign — like the broader work of the foundation — helps now and in the future.

More:New Missouri State scholarship to cover tuition, fees for students with greatest financial need

"The foundation is not just for now. It is for 100 years from now," he said. "We have added a lot to the endowment."

Gifts, including endowed scholarships, help students for a long time, he said. "That scholarship lives forever and forever is a long time. And it will help students from generation to generation."

Under Dunn's leadership, the foundation has repeatedly broken its annual fundraising records. It has also won many awards.

“Brent builds and values relationships, and he’s created this incredible network of people who support the university’s priorities,” said Mark McQueary, chair of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, in a release. “He is an incredible leader who moves people to action.”

Dunn led the Our Promise campaign, which raised $167 million and participated in The Campaign for SMS, which raised more than $59 million.

His work with the foundation helped fund student scholarships, endowed professorships and brought in speakers including Marlee Matlin, Colin Powell, Jenna Bush Hager and Jillian Michaels.

There were building renovations, namings and additions during his time including the John Goodman Amphitheatre in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park, Davis-Harrington Welcome Center, Foster Family Recreation Center, O’Reilly Clinical Health Science Center and Great Southern Bank Arena.

Dunn said, during an interview on ESPN the Jock, that he will begin working for the Missouri State Fair Foundation after his departure from MSU.

Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State's 'greatest advocate' to retire after raising millions