Meet the SOAR Leaders and Staff

Joe Morris

Joe Morris is the director of the Student Orientation, Advisement & Registration (SOAR) program, a position he has held since 2005.  As director, Joe is responsible for creating and developing programs to inform incoming students and their family members about Missouri State and their transition to university life.  He also recruits, selects, and trains SOAR leaders.

Joe became a proud member of the Missouri State community as an undergraduate student in 1998; he subsequently earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Media and a Master of Arts degree in Communication.  He has also served as a SOAR leader and an academic advisor to undecided Honors College students during his time at Missouri State.   

Because Missouri State had such a beneficial role in his development as a student and person, Joe is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide the same experience for incoming students.

Brookli Pollock

Brookli Pollock is the graduate assistant for Student Orientation, Advisement, and Registration (SOAR).  She is currently pursuing a master of science degree in counseling with an emphasis in secondary school counseling and community agency counseling.  Brookli works specifically with the portions of the SOAR program designed for the parents and families of students.  In addition to working with the SOAR program, she coordinates the Family Association throughout the year.

A graduate of Hastings College (a liberal arts college in Hastings, Nebraska), Brookli can empathize with students and family members who are making a new transition to Springfield.  While moving to Springfield was quite a change from the small town that she was used to, she fell in love with Missouri State the first time she visited in spring 2010.  She believes the community of Springfield and the Missouri State campus are both very welcoming.  She hopes that her experiences at the University will enable her to assist you with any concerns.

Rainer Gall

Rainer Gall is a senior pursuing a degree in Administrative Management. He is extremely involved at Missouri State. He is a member of a social fraternity, an honorary management fraternity, and Order of Omega. He has also served in the past as a Resident Assistant and on the executive board for Maroon Madness. This will be Rainer’s third summer with the SOAR program. As a team leader, he will be responsible for managing the day to day operations of the program.

After graduation, Rainer plans to pursue a Master’s degree in student affairs. In his free time, Rainer enjoys watching and attending sporting events, watching movies and traveling. His favorite television shows are How I Met Your Mother and Scrubs. He enjoys helping others succeed and is excited to work with the next generation of student leaders at Missouri State University. 

Erin Sullivan

Erin Sullivan, currently a senior at Missouri State University, is pursuing a degree in Marketing Management with a minor in Spanish. She is actively involved on campus in many organizations; she is a member of a social Greek sorority, a third-year Resident Assistant, and an executive cabinet member in Student Government Association. Erin is entering her second year with the SOAR program and, as team leader, will be responsible for managing the day to day operations and preparations of the program.

After graduation in May 2012, Erin plans to pursue a graduate degree in student affairs and is excited to continue her passion to help students grow as leaders. In her free time, she loves to paint landscape and abstract paintings, read a good book, hang out with friends, and enjoy everything that Missouri State has to offer. She enjoys helping incoming students and SOAR leaders grow as leaders on campus and is excited to see what SOAR 2012 will bring!

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

Hometown: Joplin, MO

Major: Communication (Ethical Leadership track)

"The people make Missouri State special--it's as simple as that.  I honestly believe that you will not find an administration that cares or is as visible, professors that take the extra effort to connect, or a student body that is friendly and inviting anywhere in the Midwest."

Tessa Aslin

Hometown: Wildwood, MO

Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology track)

"As nerdy as it is, my favorite aspect of Missouri State is class.  I love to learn, and there are so many classes offered to choose from.  My professors are always helpful, responsive, and willing to work with me."

Nick Balla

Hometown: Springfield, MO

Major: Music; Electronic Arts (Audio Studies track)

"I love how Missouri State is its own fostering community.  I'm from Springfield originally, but coming to school here doesn't feel like the same Springfield I grew up in.  There's a great sense of togetherness that I love about this university."

Lexi Beck

Hometown: Chesterfield, MO

Major: French Education

"Don't be shy!  Really get to know the people you meet at SOAR.  They will live in your residence hall, attend your classes, and eat with you at the dining centers.  This is your first chance to meet the people you will spend the majority of your time with for the next four years!"

Tara Beck

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO

Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology track)

"What makes Missouri State special to me is that I was able to change after high school.  I wanted to go to a university where I wouldn't just slip through the cracks, and Missouri State was the perfect spot to make that happen.  My professors know who I am, but there's a big enough population that I don't have to see the same people every day."

Ryan Chapman

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Major: Psychology

"A warning to new students!  I wish I had known that the picture they take for the BearPass card is your permanent photograph.  I thought I would be funny and make a face, and now I know that picture is the one the University uses."

Sarah Christenson

Hometown: Springfield, MO

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology

"My favorite aspect of Missouri State has to be our public affairs mission.  It has made me actively strive to be an ethical leader every single day.  I love that there are leadership programs like this on campus that not only help graduate as scholars, but as active citizens in our communities."

Trevor Collins

Hometown: Clarence, MO

Major: Marketing

"I really enjoyed my SOAR experience--not just my two SOAR leaders, but the whole program.  SOAR got me excited for the upcoming school year and gave me a sense of anxiousness for what was coming up in my educational and social experience.

Victoria Culver

Hometown: Harrisonville, MO

Major: Mathematics Education; Psychology

"The Office of Student Engagement has been my favorite resource on campus.  They have helped me find all sorts of ways to be involved.  Through that involvement, I have met some of my best friends while also developing many transferrable skills."

Justin Drane

Hometown: Marshfield, MO

Major: Unified Earth Science Education

What Justin would tweet to new students: "Missouri State is awesome! Get involved and make friends. Oh, and #backtap everyone. #BEARpride"

Calen Faulk

Hometown: Poteau, OK

Major: English (Secondary Education)

"I wish I had known nerds DO exist at Missouri State, and it's more than okay to be a nerd here!  Students should know that Missouri State is a spectacularly diverse campus.  The organizations on campus are just as diverse as the students that attend, so don't be fearful of not meeting new people, fitting in, and making friends as long as you are yourself and you are open to mingling."

Mallori Fournier

Hometown: Independence, MO

Major: Child and Family Development

"I have a piece of advice for family members of new students.  It's okay for students to begin classes without having selected a specific major, and it's okay to switch your major later on if you need to.  Our general education program gives students a lot of options to explore, and there are plenty of resources to help students pick a major that's right for them.

Kelley Fugett

Hometown: Neosho, MO

Major: Business Administration

"Before SOAR, I wish I had known to stay on campus overnight so I could meet new people.  I was kind of shy and didn't think that much stuff was going on, but when I came back the next day everyone talked about the cool stuff they did.  I was so jealous!"

Keeley Gierer

Hometown: Wright City, MO

Major: Fashion Merchandising

"My advisor and my department, Fashion and Interior Design, have been huge resources for me.  My department sends out weekly newsletters to keep us on track and informed, and my advisor is constantly sending out information on jobs and internship opportunities in the area.  Professors are always pushing us to try something new, and they have the information we need to do it."

Darrell Hyche

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Major: Dance Performance; Psychology

"I urge all incoming freshmen to take advantage of each opportunity to get to know as many people as you can, starting with SOAR.  The more you connected you become with people, the easier your transition to college will be."

Ryann Graham

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Major: Public Relations

"One thing I wish I had known before attending SOAR was that everyone was just as confused as I was.  Relaxing and participating in the SOAR process will help students ease into college.  No one really knows what they're doing, so just have fun and relax.  We SOAR leaders are here to help you through it!"

Bear Hall

Hometown: Belton, MO

Major: Economics

"My best advice for new students?  Be prepared for the quick changes in weather!  The Ozarks weather can be cold enough for a sweater one day, warm enough for shorts the next.  Make sure you have an umbrella for the pop-up rain showers we frequently experience."

Katie Hash

Hometown: Osceola, MO

Major: History (Secondary Education)

"I've found that by talking to other students you can really learn a lot about the University.  I talked to several older students. They gave me the inside scoop on how to go about doing things, and it proved to be very helpful.  Because of this, I was able to make a schedule where I was getting great teachers who I would love taking a class from.

Anthony Hendrix

Hometown: Neosho, MO

Major: Biology

"The biology advisor I met at my own SOAR session has been a great support system throughout the time I've spent at Missouri State.  Through her, I've been provided educational guidance, scholarships, and internships.  Professors are some of the most important contacts one will make at college!"

Taylor Homeyer

Hometown: Bentonville, AR

Major: Psychology; Communication

What Taylor would tweet to new students: "New student to Missouri State in the fall? Get ready for a great time! #SOAR2012 #MSUswag"

Houlie Ibrahim

Hometown: Salem, MO

Major: Special Education

"I wish I had known the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone before attending SOAR.  I didn't start branching out and meeting new people until the second or third week of college.  If I had realized how helpful and rewarding it is to get out and meet new people right away, I wouldn't have been as overwhelmed coming to college for the first time."

Layne Ivy

Hometown: Kennett, MO

Major: Undeclared

"I've found the Career Center to be very helpful.  I'm not yet sure what I want to do in the future, so they helped me set up job shadowing opportunities with local businesses.  It's really helped me make some decisions."

Kelly James

Hometown: Jackson, MO

Major: Dietetics

What Kelley would tweet to new students: "Get excited for the rollercoaster ride you are getting to start! Let's hear it for the bears...B...E...A...R...S! BEARS! #missouristate"

Abigail Jasinski

Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO

Major: Computer Information Systems

"I have a very strong connection to Missouri State, and it's become a special place to me.  The entire community welcomed me from the first day of SOAR all the way up until today.  I'm on a first name basis with the Dean of Students, as are many other students.  I have no doubt he would take time out of his day to meet with me.  Faculty, staff, administration and my fellow students make me feel so at home here."

Arianna Johnson

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Major: Psychology; Gerontology

"I think my family wishes they would have know that I was going to change a lot at Missouri State.  I matured a lot my first year here, and it really surprised my mom.  She cried."

Morgan Lanser

Hometown: El Dorado Springs, MO

Major: Elementary Education

"Meyer Library has become one of my favorite places on campus!  It's so peaceful and has tons of resources within its walls.  I don't have a color printer in my room, but I can print in color at the library.  I also love the music section down on the lower level--there are tons of books that contain sheet music available for check-out.  I love the huge Macs on the second floor--they are glorious!"

Kory Lower

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO

Major: Physical Education

"Find a way to get involved and make your experience at college the best it can be.  Don't just go to class and go home.  Find something that interests you and gives you a reason to stay.  Make the most of your experience!"

Andy McIntyre

Hometown: Cape Girardeau, MO

Major: Vocal Music Education

"Missouri State has been a place for me to find passion and inspiration.  My professors and fellow music majors have encouraged me to push myself and find what truly fulfills me.  Thanks to them, I've learned more than I thought there was to know, and realized how exciting it is that there's even MORE to learn!"

Marlee Nutt

Hometown: Carl Junction, MO

Major: Administrative Management

"My favorite aspect of Missouri State is the public affairs mission. I'm very proud to attend a university that values cultural competence, ethical leadership and community engagement.  The University offers many wonderful opportunities for students to live out these qualities in their lives."

Garrett Mueller

Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO

Major: International Business

"The Study Away Office has been great.  They helped me so much through the registration and returning process when studying abroad in China, and because of their help and guidance, I now have a lifelong memory of studying abroad for a semester."

Liv Parks

Hometown: Saint Charles, MO

Major: Theatre Studies

"Reach out!  Do something you've always thought about but never had the chance.  College is about taking chances and finding new interests.  It's the perfect time to do what you love and love what you do.  Don't waste it or take it for granted."

Vishal Patel

Hometown: High Ridge, MO

Major: Political Science

"My SOAR experience was amazing because I loved all the people in my group.  I liked being split into groups by major because I still see people from my group all the time.  We're actually pretty good friends.  Plus, when you go into some of your classes, you might have people there you already know!"

Erica Rens

Hometown: Springfield, MO

Major: Psychology

What Erica would tweet to new students: "Welcome to Missouri State University! Get involved and get to know each other! #MSU #GoBears #FindYourPassionFindYourPlace"

Amy Schmidt

Hometown: Flippin, AR

Major: Broadcast Journalism

"My family wishes they would have known that I LOVED getting mail from them.  It's the best part of the day when you check your mail and have a card or package from them.  It lets you know that they're still thinking about you."

Thomas Senseman

Hometown: Columbia, MO

Major: Geology

"I love how closely connected the different groups of students on campus seem to be.  I also enjoy the homey feel of campus.  In my mind, these are the things that set Missouri State apart from other large universities.  To me, our unofficial slogan of 'You Belong' is actually a very true statement because being at Missouri Stae makes me feel comfortable and at home."

Leena Shadid

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Major: Political Science

"If you really want to get the most out of SOAR, come in with a positive attitude.  This program has a lot of useful information, but at the same time I've noticed that students tend to get out what they put in.  With that said, you should come to SOAR ready to engage in activities, ask lots of questions, and have a good time."

Jamie Smith

Hometown: Lowry City, MO

Major: Psychology

"The BearCLAW has been a helpful resource to me.  It provides that extra bit of help that is needed in some classes.  After struggling with a trigonometry class and spending a lot of time at the math drop-in table, I feel grateful to have this resource on campus.  I also frequently bring in papers to the Writing Center from a variety of classes to get that additional perspective.

Shane Sullivan

Hometown: Fenton, MO

Major: Marketing Management

"My SOAR experience was very beneficial.  Before SOAR, I wasn't sold on attending Missouri State University.  Once I came to Springfield, though, the amount of enthusiasm and organization really impacted me."

Kyle Syers

Hometown: Cedar Hill, MO

Major: Political Science

"I wish I had come to SOAR with a much more open mind.  Coming to Missouri State, I assumed I knew everything about college already and I didn't take time to ask my SOAR leaders what their college experience was like.  Learn from my mistakes!"

Samuel Thompson

Hometown: Joplin, MO

Major: Psychology

"There are three things that make Missouri State more special than any other school: the range of things you can get your hands dirty with (Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, work-study, clubs, intramurals, etc.), the six degrees of you (instead of Kevin Bacon, you can see how connected you are to everyone on campus), and our very own Chick-fil-A."

Scott Turk

Hometown: Abilene, TX

Major: Socio-political Communication

"Working with administration has been by favorite aspect of Missouri State.  They really do love students!  I'm so excited for our new Board of Governors members."

Mista Volz

Hometown: O'Fallon, MO

Major: Theatre Education

"I wish I knew that picking a schedule would not be as scary as I thought it was.  Once you know how to do it, it's super easy!  Besides, you'll have us SOAR leaders there to help you through the process."

Derek Yost

Hometown: Savannah, MO

Major: English (Secondary Education)

"Before I attended SOAR, I was really dreading how boring I thought it was going to be.  I just assumed it was going to be meeting after meeting about financial aid.  I had no idea that I was going to have so much fun or meet so many other students."