Show-Me State Times

Following an extensive national search, University of Missouri President Mun Choi has appointed Matthew Martens to the position of provost and executive vice chancellor. Martens has served as interim provost since February 2024 and brings eight years of senior leadership experience in the Office of the Provost. During his tenure in the Office of the Provost, the six-year graduation rate increased from 68% to 76%, Mizzou faculty have received a total of 140 prestigious awards, and annual research expenditures increased from $280 million to $462 million.

The provost and executive vice chancellor is the chief academic officer for the university and oversees faculty development and support as well as undergraduate, graduate, and professional education. Martens will continue his central role in the MizzouForward initiative to hire new faculty and staff, retain outstanding faculty and staff, and invest in faculty and student success programs. Currently, Martens is leading MU’s Higher Learning Commission accreditation activities and preparing for the university’s next comprehensive evaluation in 2025.

“Dr. Martens is a talented, dedicated, and effective leader who cares deeply about the University of Missouri,” Choi said. “He is a proven partner who will work across the university to continue our commitment to research excellence, supporting faculty success, and providing a world-class educational experience for our students.”

"We congratulate Dr. Martens on his appointment as provost and executive vice chancellor," said Robin Wenneker, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. “His impressive administrative and leadership skills make Matt the ideal provost to lead our academic enterprise. With our talented Mizzou leadership team, we are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for Mizzou — whether in the classroom, in the research labs or on the playing field.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as provost at an institution that I care so deeply about. It is an honor of a lifetime,” Martens said. “Mizzou already has great momentum, and I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, students, and other university partners on achieving excellence each day.”

Martens received a bachelor’s degree from Boston College, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina, and a doctorate in educational and counseling psychology from the University of Missouri. He had prior academic appointments at SUNY Albany and the University of Memphis before returning to Mizzou's faculty in 2009.

Martens is a nationally recognized scholar in health psychology for adults and adolescents. He is a highly cited author with more than 125 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His research was funded by various agencies including NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism), SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration),and DOE (U.S.DepartmentofEducation).