2011-12 HRA Student Ambassadors - Hospitality and Restaurant Administration

Five outstanding HRA majors were selected, though a competitive process, to serve as Student Ambassadors for the 2011-12 academic year. In this capacity, they assist the department with recruiting activities and professional outreach. Congratulations and thank you to these exceptional students!

Mallory Allgier currently works as a Guest Service Representative and Night Auditor at the University Plaza Hotel, a John Q. Hammons property, in Springfield, Missouri. She is active in Hospitality Leaders of Tomorrow for which she serves as Co-President, Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Honor Fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity, the Springfield Hotel & Lodging Association, the College of Natural and Applied Sciences Student Advisory Board, and Missouri State University's Honors College. She received both the Hospitality and Restaurant Administration Board of Advisors' Scholarship and Missouri State University's Board of Governors Scholarship. Mallory has been on the Dean's List since 2009 and will graduate in May 2013.

Cat Blankenship currently works as a Room Service Attendant and Server at the University Plaza Hotel, a John Q. Hammons property, in Springfield, Missouri. She also works as an Innkeeper and Housekeeper at the historic Walnut Street Inn in Springfield. She serves as Co-President of Hospitality Leaders of Tomorrow and is an active member of the Springfield Hotel and Lodging Association, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Sigma Pi, Eta Sigma Delta International Honorary Society. Missouri State University's Honors College, and the College of Natural and Applied Sciences Student Advisory Board Committee. Cat has been on the Dean's List since 2009 and is a recipient of Missouri State University Board of Governors' Scholarship, Missouri State University Leadership Scholarship, and the Hospitality and Restaurant Administration Department Board of Advisors' Scholarship. She volunteers at Ozarks Food Harvest, Artsfest, and Cider Days.

Leslie Hickerson currently works as Senior Team Leader for Missouri State University's Phone Campaign for which she also served as Interim Director of Annual Funds and Incentives Director. She also works in the Prime Overtime Club for Ovations Food Services at John Q. Hammons Arena at Missouri State University. Recently, Leslie interned as a Front Desk Manager at the Turquoise Shell in on Sint Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles where she also worked as an Office Intern for the St. Maarten/Martin Hospitality and Tourism Association. While there, she earned her Dive Master status and worked for Dive Safaris as a Rescue Diver and Dive Leader. Leslie is the President of R.E.A.L. Bears (Recruiting Emerging Alumni Leaders), on Missouri State University's Alumni Board of Directors, and is a member of CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education), Eta Sigma Delta International Honor Society, and the National Collegiate Honor Society.

Hayli Schmitz is currently a Service Assistant at Longhorn Steakhouse in Springfield, Missouri. She also works in customer service at GiGi's Cupcakes. Hayli recently completed a food and beverage internship at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, and worked as a Sandwich Artist, Prep Cook, Trainer, and Closer for Subway Restaurants. She is the Event Coordinator for the Missouri State University chapter of Eta Sigma Delta International Honor Society and is a member of Hospitality Leaders of Tomorrow. She has been on the Dean's List every semester during college. Hayli transferred to Missouri State University in fall 2010 from State Fair Community College where she was President of the Theater Club and received the Distinguished Student Writer Award. Hayli has been a volunteer at both the Plywood Players Children’s Theatre and Mid-Missouri Humane Society.

Kameran Thull is currently a Student Specialist with Conference Services at Missouri State University and a Banquet Server at the University Plaza Hotel, a John Q. Hammons property, in Springfield, Missouri. She recently completed an internship with the Bloomington - Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center and worked as an Activities Coordinator for Big Cedar Lodge. Kameran was also a Resident Assistant at Missouri State University from fall 2009 through May 2011. Kameran is a member of the Eta Sigma Delta International Honor Society.