- Date published
With new role, Munday will continue to grow partnerships and impact.
Missouri State University has announced the promotion of Rachel Munday as assistant vice president for economic development, effective July 1, 2026.
Munday currently serves as executive director of efactory and will continue providing leadership for the organization while assuming expanded responsibilities for the university’s economic development efforts.
The appointment follows the retirement of Allen Kunkel, who has led Missouri State University’s economic development initiatives for nearly two decades.
“Rachel has consistently demonstrated a passion for connecting people, organizations and opportunities in ways that create meaningful impact,” said Brad Bodenhausen, vice president for community and global partnerships. “Her leadership has helped expand efactory’s reach and influence, and she is uniquely positioned to advance Missouri State University’s economic development mission.”
Right person. Right time
Since joining efactory in 2015, Munday has played a key role in growing the organization’s impact throughout southwest Missouri and across the state. As executive director, she has helped lead efforts that support entrepreneurs, strengthen workforce development, connect students with experiential learning opportunities and foster partnerships that drive economic growth.
Under her leadership, efactory has expanded programming, strengthened university and industry connections and helped launch statewide initiatives that support entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems throughout Missouri.
“I am honored to serve in this new role and grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside our incredible team, university colleagues and community partners,” Munday said. “Economic development is ultimately about creating opportunities for people. Missouri State University is uniquely positioned to connect education, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement in ways that strengthen our region and state, and I look forward to building on that work.”
Munday’s expanded responsibilities will include strategic leadership of university economic development initiatives, community partnerships, entrepreneurship programs, workforce development efforts and collaborations that support innovation and business growth.
Connecting people, ideas and opportunities
The announcement reflects Missouri State University’s continued commitment to advancing its public affairs mission through partnerships and programs that create economic opportunity throughout Missouri.
As efactory looks to the future, its mission remains unchanged: connecting people, ideas and opportunities to accelerate business growth, develop talent and strengthen communities across Missouri.
With continued support from university leadership, partners, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders, efactory will continue serving as a front door to innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development while helping build the next generation of businesses, leaders and communities.
Please join us in congratulating Rachel on this well-deserved appointment.