- Date published
Allen Kunkel has spent the last 19 years doing something pretty remarkable: connecting Missouri State University to the businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are shaping our region’s future. And on June 30, he’s retiring.
If you’ve spent any time around Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC), efactory, or IDEA Commons, you’ve seen Allen’s work firsthand. He joined Missouri State as associate vice president for economic development back in 2007, then took on the role of JVIC director in 2010. Since then, he’s been the driving force behind some seriously impressive growth.
Building Something Bigger
Allen managed JVIC, but even more so, he envisioned what it could become. Under his leadership, it evolved into a hub for applied research and technology commercialization, attracting corporate partners and tenants who are developing cutting-edge technologies and bringing them to market.
“It has been an honor and privilege to work for Missouri State and I’m fortunate to have been able to work for and with so many wonderful people,” Kunkel said.
“I’ve been blessed with a tremendous staff team who are extremely capable to take JVIC, efactory and IDEA Commons to the next level. There are so many opportunities and I’ll enjoy watching their continued success.”
The Highlights
Over the years, Allen’s been behind some major wins for the region:
- IDEA Commons – He played a key role in advancing this urban innovation park in downtown Springfield, where people can live, work, learn, and create all in one vibrant space.
- efactory – He was instrumental in establishing and expanding efactory, making it more than an incubator space and advocating for our role in larger economic development initiatives in the region.
- NextFlex Node – In 2022, JVIC was selected as one of only three locations nationwide to house a NextFlex Node as part of America’s Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute. That’s a pretty big deal.
- Composite Braider Facility – Allen oversaw the establishment of this specialized advanced manufacturing center, funded by the U.S. Air Force, focused on developing large-scale components for hypersonic vehicles. It’s also supporting high-tech workforce training and strengthening our regional economy.
He also served as Missouri State’s liaison to the Springfield Innovation Inc. Board, which provides advisory oversight for JVIC and efactory.
What Others are Saying
Brad Bodenhausen, vice president for community and global partnerships at Missouri State, put it well: “He’s an outstanding economic developer – someone who has the experience and skills to take a vision and make it reality. That’s what he’s done here in Springfield’s center city,” Bodenhausen said.
“For almost 20 years, he has devoted his energies to implementing the university’s vision for JVIC, efactory and IDEA Commons. As a result, we now have excellent facilities and a talented team working with business and community partners to support innovation and advanced manufacturing.”
What's Next
Allen leaves behind a strong foundation and an even stronger team ready to build on what he’s created. We’re grateful for his leadership, his vision, and his commitment to making Missouri a place where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.
Congratulations on your retirement, Allen. We’ll be watching what happens next!