CNAS at MSU

CNAS at MSU We are the College of Natural and Applied Sciences at Missouri State University. The divisions were renamed schools in 1972 and then colleges in 1985.

Vision
The College of Natural and Applied Sciences at Missouri State University seeks excellence in teaching, scholarly productivity, and professional and community service. We value:
our students and their success;
active learning, academic rigor and critical thinking;
excellence in teaching, research and service;
inclusiveness, fairness and justice;
faculty, staff and administrators;
personal an

d academic integrity;
safe learning environments;
collaborations and partnerships; and
continuous improvement. adopted 09/15/16

History of the college:
The university was first formed with thirteen academic departments in 1945. In 1968 the university separated into four divisions, one of them being the Division of Science and Technology. The college name changed again with reorganizations in 1994.

1968 - Division of Science and Technology; Director – Carl Fronabarger
1972 - School of Science and Technology; Dean – Carl Fronabarger
1974 - School of Science and Technology; Dean – Clif Thompson
1985 - College of Science and Mathematics; Dean – Clif Thompson
1987 - College of Science and Mathematics; Dean – Jerry Berlin
1994 - College of Natural and Applied Sciences; Dean – Larry Banks
2006 - College of Natural and Applied Sciences; Dean – Tammy Jahnke

On this week’s episode of Dr. Mike Reed’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio, he discusses the discovery of an at...
05/28/2026

On this week’s episode of Dr. Mike Reed’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio, he discusses the discovery of an atmosphere on a distant trans-Neptunian dwarf planet at the edge of our solar system. The finding is the first of its kind outside of Pluto and could change how scientists understand small icy worlds in deep space.

Atmosphere discovered on trans-Neptunian dwarf planet.

Missouri State University is closed May 25 in observance of  . Today, we honor and remember those who gave their lives i...
05/25/2026

Missouri State University is closed May 25 in observance of . Today, we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

How do astronomers study the surface of a planet they can’t directly see? 🔭 On this week’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks ...
05/21/2026

How do astronomers study the surface of a planet they can’t directly see? 🔭

On this week’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio, Dr. Mike Reed dives into the fascinating science behind exoplanet surface discoveries and what new technology is revealing about distant worlds.

Astronomers use JWST to observe Kua'kua, a super-Earth orbiting a nearby solar system.

From mysterious distant objects to new clues about how solar systems form, space scientists are making discoveries that ...
05/19/2026

From mysterious distant objects to new clues about how solar systems form, space scientists are making discoveries that continue to change what we know about the universe. 🚀

Hear more on the latest episode of Dr. Mike Reed’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio.

Exoplanet research unveils surprising orbits and planet types.

The new CNAS Dean Dr. Magdalena Toda will begin her role July 1. She replaces longtime dean Dr. Tamera Jahnke, who retir...
05/18/2026

The new CNAS Dean Dr. Magdalena Toda will begin her role July 1. She replaces longtime dean Dr. Tamera Jahnke, who retires June 30.

She will begin the position July 1.

Engineering and computer science Bears put classroom knowledge to the test at the 2026 IEEE Region 5 Congress and Studen...
05/08/2026

Engineering and computer science Bears put classroom knowledge to the test at the 2026 IEEE Region 5 Congress and Student Competitions. Two teams earned first- and third-place finishes through teamwork, creativity and hands-on problem solving.

Teams placed first and third in two divisions.

On this week’s episode of Dr. Mike Reed’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio, he discusses new research helping s...
05/07/2026

On this week’s episode of Dr. Mike Reed’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio, he discusses new research helping scientists better understand neutron stars using data from the binary system 4U 1820-30. Missouri State University - Physics, Astronomy & Materials Science Dept.

Scientists refine neutron star mass-radius relation with new spectral data.

Spring commencement at Missouri State University is May 8. Congrats to all our   on a milestone that marks both an endin...
05/07/2026

Spring commencement at Missouri State University is May 8. Congrats to all our on a milestone that marks both an ending and the exciting start of what comes next.

From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus! Two MSU Biology student researchers are turning theory into real-world imp...
05/05/2026

From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus! Two MSU Biology student researchers are turning theory into real-world impact, advancing nanobiology and pollinator conservation through hands-on research.

CNAS students conduct research to advance nanobiology and pollinator conservation.

On last week’s episode of Dr. Mike Reed’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio, he explored how scientists search f...
05/04/2026

On last week’s episode of Dr. Mike Reed’s Astro Brief on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio, he explored how scientists search for life beyond our solar system. He highlighted James Webb Space Telescope observations of a Jupiter-like planet’s atmosphere orbiting a white dwarf 63 light years away. Missouri State University - Physics, Astronomy & Materials Science Dept.

How could we find life on planets in other solar systems?

Address

901 S. National Avenue , Temple Hall 142
Springfield, MO
65897

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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