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Dr. Renee Fister

Dr. K. Renee Fister received her Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Transylvania University and her Master of Science and Ph.D. degree in mathematics from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She is a tenured Professor of Mathematics and currently serves as the Associate Provost at Murray State University. Dr. Fister has published 36 research papers – many of which involved students, given over 100 research presentations, written 30 successful research grants and served as the principal investigator of 21 grants. Her research focuses on mathematics and biology within optimal control theory. She has mentored 30 students in interdisciplinary research areas for undergraduate and master degree projects. In 2024, she has been instrumental in funding related to a Department of Energy (DOE) grant associated with the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion site.

She had the fortunate opportunity to serve as an Endowed Professor for the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, until moving into administrative roles. She assisted the President as a senior advisor for Strategic Initiatives, led the Office of Institutional Effectiveness with compliance and data initiatives and served in Enrollment Management with development of enrollment models. She has held leadership positions as the Murray State University Board of Regents Faculty Regent, Treasurer for the Society of Mathematical Biology and Clerk for the Association for Women in Mathematics.

As the Associate Provost at Murray State, this role encompasses serving as the Graduate Coordinator for the University; supervising Institutional Research, Institutional Effectiveness, Sponsored Programs, DOE grant work, and Institutional Review Board; predicting enrollment and developing strategies for curricular concepts.