Top female leaders at MSU offered longer contracts, through mid-2027, pending approval
Two of the highest-ranking members of the president's staff at Missouri State University have been offered longer employment contracts — aimed at keeping them on campus another 3-1/2 years, at least.
MSU President Clif Smart, who is set to retire next summer, recently offered executive vice president Zora Mulligan and general counsel Rachael Dockery appointments through mid-2027.
Mulligan and Dockery, who is also vice president of legal affairs and compliance, have formally accepted. The pacts will go the university's Board of Governors this week for final approval. Both leaders have law degrees.
In a Nov. 14 letter, included in the meeting agenda, Smart asked Mulligan to stay on through her initial three-year employment term — which ends July 4, 2025 — plus a two-year extension, to keep her on campus until July 4, 2027.
The executive vice president is the No. 2 officer at the university and reports directly to the president.
In the role, she oversees multiple units and operations including enrollment management services and student success.
Mulligan helps identify and execute the annual action plan, lead work on the strategic plan addressing enrollment and retention efforts, assist with planning professional development events and retreats, and lead the university's state and federal advocacy efforts.
The former commissioner of higher education for Missouri is also responsible for managing budgets for the parts of the work she oversees.
More: Zora Mulligan loves being MSU's No. 2 leader. Here is why she won't apply to be No. 1
Mulligan will receive an annual salary of $252,000 plus a housing allowance. It was $2,000 a month for the first 12 months of employment and will be $3,000 a month for the next two years. No housing allowance was noted after she completes her third year.
She receives health coverage, retirement benefits, vacation and sick time, and other fringe benefits extended to full-time employees.
In the offer letter, Smart wrote: "I can honestly think of no one better suited for the role of executive vice president."
In a similar letter, Smart asked Dockery to stay on as university general counsel — a role he held before becoming the MSU president — and vice president of legal affairs and compliance through June 30, 2027.
"I look forward to your continued work for the university," Smart wrote.
In the role, Dockery provides legal advice and consultation to the university's president, Board of Governors, and the administration and faculty. She also represents the university's interests in different venues.
She is responsible for overseeing the university's compliance with "all applicable legal and regulatory obligations."
The former prosecutor was assistant general counsel at CoxHealth before joining the university in 2014.
Dockery was offered an annual salary of $225,000 plus a range of benefits and will be eligible to receive the same raise approved for staff each year.
The News-Leader reached out to Mulligan and Dockery. Neither wanted to comment prior to the board vote this week. The MSU Board of Governors will meet Thursday at the Plaster Student Union.
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: Two high-ranking MSU leaders offered longer contracts through mid-2027
