Sept. 10, 2025
Contact: Christopher Ave, Christopher.Ave@missouri.edu
Photo by Abbie Lankitus
University of Missouri Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Matthew Martens announced today that Kristofer Hagglund, the dean of the College of Health Sciences, will retire from the university in August 2026.
“Since joining Mizzou in 1990, Kris has been a steadfast and visionary leader, contributing significantly to our institution’s success in enrollment and student success, research, philanthropy and service to our state,” Martens said. “I have known Kris for over 25 years as a mentor, colleague and friend. His contributions and impact on Mizzou will be missed.”
Hagglund became the dean of the College of Health Sciences in 2013, when he became its second dean since the college became an autonomous academic unit in 2000. Prior to this appointment, he served as the college’s associate dean for 12 years. He is a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow alumnus and a co-founder of Mizzou’s Center for Health Policy.
“Retiring from the college and Mizzou is bittersweet because both are experiencing tremendous success and recognition,” Hagglund said. “The college’s longstanding programs are recognized as being among the best in the nation, and we have many exciting and meaningful initiatives that hold incredible promise for improving the health and well-being of others.”
Under Hagglund’s leadership, the college has sustained remarkable growth with new academic initiatives designed to meet critical workforce needs. Since 2013, the college’s enrollment has increased 47%, and in the fall semester of 2025, more than 3,900 students were enrolled.
Hagglund oversaw the formation of the Department of Public Health, as well as the addition of the School of Social Work, the Center for Health Policy and the Missouri Cancer Registry and Research Center to the college’s portfolio.
During his time as associate dean of the college, he was instrumental in the development of the two signature degree programs — the bachelor’s degree in health science and the master’s degree in public health.
Hagglund supported the college’s award-winning faculty as it quintupled its research productivity over the past six years. In 2023, he led the effort to change the college’s name from the School of Health Professions to the College of Health Sciences, and he launched major building projects, such as the $6 million renovation to Clark Hall that added three new classrooms and student meeting and study spaces, supporting faculty and students as they improve the health and well-being of Missourians.
Hagglund has overseen tremendous growth in philanthropic support for the College of Health Sciences during his tenure as dean. In fiscal year 2025, individuals and foundations donated $6.9 million, compared to just $124,440 in fiscal year 2013.
Martens said the university plans to launch a national search for a new dean this fall to ensure a seamless transition following Hagglund’s departure.
