Dean Van Galen

Dr. Dean Van Galen began his tenure as Missouri Southern’s sixth president on July 1, 2020.

A 1982 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Van Galen earned a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Kansas State University. His career in higher education began as an assistant professor of chemistry at Truman State University and progressed to senior leadership roles at that university, the University of West Florida and most recently as chancellor of University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

During his tenure at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the university was ranked eighth in the nation in 2019 for “Worth the Cost/Best College Value” by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, based on a survey of 174,000 students. It was ranked No. 1 among the 11 University of Wisconsin comprehensive campuses in 2018-19 for percentage of bachelor degree recipients participating in study abroad and, under his leadership, successfully completed the university’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Van Galen led development and implementation of 2012-20 university’s strategic plan, Pathway to Distinction, with three focused goals: Distinctive Academic Excellence, Global Education and Engagement, and Innovation and Partnerships. Last year, the university was successfully reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Mary Van Galen, his wife, taught adult English language learners from 19 different countries in rural Wisconsin. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Washburn University, as well as master’s degrees in nursing and in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The Van Galens have one adult daughter, who is public school teacher.