Missouri State University has announced leadership appointments for two of its key economic development organizations following the retirement of longtime economic development leader Allen Kunkel.

Effective July 1, Rachel Munday will serve as assistant vice president, economic development, and Matt Curry will serve as executive director, Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC).

These appointments position Missouri State to continue advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, research partnerships and economic growth throughout Missouri.

New leadership position for Munday

Munday currently serves as executive director of efactory, Missouri State's business incubator and entrepreneurial development center. In her new role as assistant vice president for economic development, she will provide strategic leadership for university economic development initiatives, partnerships and programs that connect businesses, communities, researchers and students to opportunities for growth and innovation.

Since joining efactory in 2015, Munday has helped expand the organization's impact across southwest Missouri and, more recently, throughout the state. Under her leadership, efactory has strengthened entrepreneurial support services, workforce development initiatives and university-industry partnerships while serving thousands of entrepreneurs, students and employers.

"Rachel has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and a deep commitment to Missouri State University's public affairs mission," said Brad Bodenhausen, vice president for community and global partnerships. "Her ability to build partnerships and create meaningful impact across communities makes her the ideal person to lead our economic development efforts into the future."

New leadership role for Curry

Curry currently serves as assistant director of JVIC and brings more than 20 years of experience supporting the center's operations, research partnerships and commercialization activities.

Since joining the university in 2001, Curry has worked closely with university researchers, industry partners and tenant companies to advance innovation and applied research initiatives. As executive director, he will oversee JVIC's strategic direction, operations and partnerships while continuing to foster collaboration between academia and industry.

"Matt's leadership, technical expertise and commitment to innovation have been instrumental to JVIC's success," Bodenhausen said. "He understands the unique role JVIC plays in connecting research, industry and economic development, and I am confident he will continue building on the center's strong reputation and impact."

Transition official July 1

The appointments follow the retirement of Kunkel, who has led Missouri State's economic development efforts since 2007. During his tenure, Kunkel helped establish and grow efactory and JVIC into nationally recognized innovation assets that have supported business growth, research commercialization and workforce development throughout the region and state.

Together, Munday and Curry will continue advancing Missouri State's commitment to economic development, innovation and community engagement while building on the strong foundation established under Kunkel's leadership.