Missouri State University
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  • Cindi Barnett

    Cindi Barnett

    Cindi Barnett had a goal as the Foster Family Recreation Center was being built: Make sure all students, including those with disabilities, could use the center.

  • Michael Frizell

    Michael Frizell

    When Michael Frizell was designing the Bear CLAW (Center for Learning and Writing), he wanted it to be inviting to all students — including those with disabilities.

  • Sara Clark

    Sara Clark

    Sara Clark and her team have spearheaded efforts to make Missouri State’s websites accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.

  • Dr. Marc Cooper

    Dr. Marc Cooper

    When Dr. Marc Cooper saw that not all students were thriving with a traditional lecture format, he decided to switch up his teaching style by using universal design.

  • Julien Duxin

    Julien Duxin

    Julien Duxin credits the chemistry department at Missouri State for setting the pace for a promising, academic career. 

  • Eric Tague

    Eric Tague

    Chances are if you are in Temple Hall you might run into Eric Tague, a graduate student and teaching assistant in the department of chemistry.

  • Dr. Nikolay Gerasimchuk

    Dr. Nikolay Gerasimchuk

    If you didn’t know, Dr. Nikolay Gerasimchuk is native to the country of Ukraine.

  • Emily Steelman

    Emily Steelman

    As a first generation college student, 2011 Summersville High School graduate Emily Steelman found herself in uncharted territory upon entering Missouri State University-West Plains that fall.

  • Sam Zimmer

    Sam Zimmer

    Sam Zimmer, who wants to be a dentist or optometrist, is confident his professors and fellow dedicated students have helped him be ready for medical exams and professional training.

  • Bridget Tabora

    Bridget Tabora

    Tabora always knew she wanted a job where she would be able to help people every day. After shadowing different medical professionals, she found the right profession for her.

  • Christina Dempsey

    Christina Dempsey

    "I've never, ever been sorry I chose nursing for my career, I am fulfilled every day. There are an infinite number of wonderful things we can do as nurses professionally that enrich the lives of our patients, our community, each other and ourselves. MSU and a lot of hard work has made that possible for me."

  • Faye Felicilda-Reynaldo

    Faye Felicilda-Reynaldo

    “It was also a point in my life wherein I found myself seeking for greater professional development that I can't find in my country. I wanted a better experience as a professional nurse, nurse educator, with more substance.”

  • Lindsay Kittrell

    Lindsay Kittrell

    “When people come together they can make a huge difference and positively impact many individuals.”

  • Ryan Nicholls

    Ryan Nicholls

    “Patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment easily apply to community assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Emergency management works a lot with mitigating bad things from happening, educating prevention measures and preparing for emergencies when the inevitable occurs.” “As a public servant, good community care is vital to success.” 

  • Perla Quintana

    Perla Quintana

    Perla Quintana’s on a mission to help her fellow man. Thanks to the Missouri State-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball and nursing program, she's going to get that opportunity.

  • Dr. Janice Greene

    Dr. Janice Greene

    Dr. Janice Greene wants to link the community to the campus through environmental education.

  • Helen Mackey

    Helen Mackey

    You're never too old to learn new things or try something new.

  • Jen Kienstra

    Jen Kienstra

    The mechanics of the musculoskeletal system have always intrigued Jen Kienstra, a junior exercise and movement science major in the pre-physical therapy program at Missouri State University.

  • Erin Parrish

    Erin Parrish

    “A student involved in a traditional discipline may only be able to see one way to solve a
    problem, where as an MNAS student may be able to see a better or different solution or approach to the same issue,” said Erin Parrish, alumna of the program. “Since every student’s goals are different, students do not have to settle for fitting their goals to a certain program. The program adjusts to them.”

  • Rosemary Sherwood

    Rosemary Sherwood

    Rosemary Sherwood wants to have a leg up on competition when she looks for her next position. “Having two areas of concentration compared to one can also make me more marketable to potential employers, as I will not just have the math knowledge, but also knowledge in the area of physics.”

  • Dr. Robert Pavlowsky

    Dr. Robert Pavlowsky

    Interested faculty engaging in research can change a student’s career path, according to Dr. Bob Pavlowsky. “One of the key things in my life is that I had some really great professors that took the time to make me work hard,” said Pavlowsky. “So I always try to give time for students because they gave time for me."

     

  • Stan Adamson

    Stan Adamson

    He is a highly knowledgeable professor who delights in teaching and caring for his students.

  • Leia Breithaupt

    Leia Breithaupt

    Are you looking for a university with a friendly student body that is involved on campus? Leia Breithaupt found that at Missouri State.

  • Jordan Nadler

    Jordan Nadler

    With a major in actuarial science and minors in finance and risk management, Jordan Nadler is ready to pursue a successful career in an area that she enjoys.

  • Stephanie Hurt

    Stephanie Hurt

    The teachers and support she found in the finance department brought her into a fulfilling and rewarding finance career.

  • John Bowen

    John Bowen

    John Bowen's interest in business brought him to Missouri State and led to pursue law school.

  • Crystal Settlemoir

    Crystal Settlemoir

    Studying abroad gave her experience with new cultures and helped her choose a new, flexible major: economics.

  • Monika Feeney

    Monika Feeney

    Monika Feeney, program director of the St. John’s School of Nurse Anesthesia at Missouri State, enjoys sharing knowledge with her students who sit where she once did. “I love the students, watching their initial excitement and almost terror on day one, grow into confidence and then becoming competent anesthesia providers.”

  • Alysha Grace

    Alysha Grace

    Alysha, who wants to help the homeless, said the public affairs mission of Missouri State means a lot to her.

  • Martin Plute

    Martin Plute

    Martin, who is from Illinois, started looking at Missouri State because of our affordable price and good scholarships.

  • Jen Humphrey

    Jen Humphrey

    Jen, who is from Illinois, was convinced by her mom to take a tour — and ended up loving the campus and the price. Now she's found a major that incorporates her passion for fitness.

  • Sarah Greenbaum

    Sarah Greenbaum

    At age three, Sarah Greenbaum asked to be put into her first dance class and hasn’t stopped dancing since.

  • Bruce Cavitt

    Bruce Cavitt

    Bruce Cavitt knows all about challenges. The former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant served three tours of duty in Iraq from 2003 to 2007, leading a platoon of soldiers assigned to...

  • Michael Rieger

    Michael Rieger

    He has embraced the heart of public affairs: being involved on campus and putting his stamp on the world.

  • Dr. Sharmistha Self

    Dr. Sharmistha Self

    At Missouri State, she gets to teach and conduct research, two things she very much enjoys.

  • Anne Carpenter

    Anne Carpenter

    She's an economist with a passion for helping people in poverty.

  • Brett Foster

    Brett Foster

    He graduated recently and he has already started a successful career as a newlywed actuary. His journey through Missouri State to where is now has been an exciting ride.

  • Kevin Pybas

    Kevin Pybas

    Dr. Kevin Pybas, pre-law advisor and associate professor in the political science department, managed to make a career out of interests and curiosities that were once just hobbies. 

  • Yitan Li

    Yitan Li

    Dr. Yitan Li’s love for East Asian politics and the Midwest led him to Missouri State.

  • Mike Welken

    Mike Welken

    "Strong interaction with faculty and opportunities to work alongside undergraduate students with counterparts from around the globe only increased the benefits I derived from study at MSU."

  • Stephen Bough

    Stephen Bough

    Stephen Bough, a Kansas City area personal injury lawyer, is dedicated to providing excellent service to his clients and the University.

  • Laura Peterson

    Laura Peterson

    Peterson selected Missouri State because of its great reputation in and out of the pool.

  • Kunti Bentley

    Kunti Bentley

    Kunti, a nontraditional student, researched a program that allowed her and her family to visit Chile, where she said "the streets are full of life, music, art."

  • Jessica Miller

    Jessica Miller

    Jessica improved her language skills through conversations with Argentinian locals — and also found time for dancing, concerts and other fun!

  • Vinai Thomas Uthipratuma

    Vinai Thomas Uthipratuma

    Thomas made many new friends in Argentina while practicing his Spanish and learning about cultural norms, including drinking tea and having a more relaxed concept of time.

  • Lauren Ronchetto

    Lauren Ronchetto

    Lauren's adventures in Japan include visiting a grade school and a park with wild monkeys.

  • Theresa Lor

    Theresa Lor

    Theresa has had conversations with Japanese residents that have helped shatter stereotypes.

  • Anna Cantrell

    Anna Cantrell

    Sometimes Mom really does know best. At least that's what Anna Cantrell discovered when she was encouraged to come to Missouri State University-West Plains by her mother, Lisa.

  • Chase Mills

    Chase Mills

    Chase spent his free time abroad exploring the outdoors of Australia and New Zealand.

  • Alexandria Killion

    Alexandria Killion

    Alexandria has lived in Springfield a few times — her military family was here when she was young, moved around, then came back. Now she’s enjoying the town as a college student.

  • Weston Bland

    Weston Bland

    Weston Bland gained an unforgettable perspective by being in Egypt during a time of political upheaval.

  • Sara Meier

    Sara Meier

    Sara had emotionally taxing moments but saw progress during her time in Japan.

  • Daniel Zender

    Daniel Zender

    Daniel Zender completed a dual major in Graphic Design and Illustration at MSU, and he's not stopping there.

  • Ashley Mayer

    Ashley Mayer

    Ashley made friends with people of Scottish, English, Irish, French, Polish, German and Australian heritage, making the world feel like a more comfortable place.

  • Tomminesha Matchingtouch

    Tomminesha Matchingtouch

    Tomminesha Matchingtouch relied on herself to juggle school with fun activities and traveling around Europe. She even learned about Finland's unique take on Santa Claus!

  • Leesha Borman

    Leesha Borman

    Leesha learned to roll with the different perception of time in Botswana, and to ask questions because information is often passed by word-of-mouth.

  • Alison Bickers

    Alison Bickers

    Alison realized she had become a real part of the island when she knew directions, had her own favorite spot to watch the sunset and had her name remembered by supermarket staff.

  • Sumer Fletcher

    Sumer Fletcher

    Sumer says going to France was the best decision she made in college — and maybe in her life in general.

  • Cody Vaughn

    Cody Vaughn

    Cody — who is having adventures from white-water rafting to holding koalas at the zoo — gives great advice to students considering going abroad.

  • Susan LaBarr

    Susan LaBarr

    Susan LaBarr credits her professors and experiences at Missouri State for preparing her to compose pieces for choirs around the state and nation.

  • Andrea Odom

    Andrea Odom

    Andrea Odom’s laboratory experiences at Missouri State helped her land a career giving patients the gift of life. “Knowing that I am part of a family of medical professionals that is so small, but has a huge effect makes me feel like I have found my place in the world.”

  • Lisa Buck

    Lisa Buck

    Lisa studied in Costa Rica and lived in a home there thanks to an independent study-away option she found through her own research.

  • Neil Harrington

    Neil Harrington

    Neil Harrington’s college journey took some unexpected turns.

  • Vincent Kandagor

    Vincent Kandagor

    He came from Kenya. Thanks to his education at Missouri State, he now plans to return home so he can lift up his community and his nation.

  • Tony Ary

    Tony Ary

    Tony Ary has made it his mission to prove a point – it doesn’t matter what your background is, you can be successful!

  • Yogini Dhopade

    Yogini Dhopade

    Yogini Dhopade enjoys challenges, and she has found them thanks to her education at Missouri State.

  • Mariah Gregg

    Mariah Gregg

    Mariah Gregg broke new ground in fall 2010 when she began taking classes at Missouri State University-West Plains.

  • Farbod Farman

    Farbod Farman

    Everyone in West Plains knows about the Missouri State-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team.

  • Cindy Bridges

    Cindy Bridges

    An academic advisor and a per-course instructor of business math at Missouri State-West Plains, Cindy Bridges provides the of advice that once opened the door of higher education for her.

  • Jason Hartgraves

    Jason Hartgraves

    A college degree wasn’t originally in the plans for Jason Hartgraves.

  • Vernieca Kellum

    Vernieca Kellum

    Vernieca Kellum has begun her career as an educator – a career made possible by the Missouri State Outreach program at Missouri State University-West Plains.

  • Jake Lamkins

    Jake Lamkins

    Jake went from being unmotivated in high school to earning honors while obtaining an associate's degree. He chose MSU for his bachelor's and now says "being a student means everything to me."

  • Alonzo Perez

    Alonzo Perez

    Alonzo made friends his freshman year and says it’s impossible to not get involved at Missouri State because there’s just so much going on.

  • Arianna Johnson

    Arianna Johnson

    Arianna says the campus feels like home to her "because it’s a warm atmosphere and people just look like they really enjoy being here."

  • Christina Adams

    Christina Adams

    Christina, who is involved in organizations all over campus, says "I am here for both school and real-life education, and my passions just follow that."

  • Leena Shadid

    Leena Shadid

    Leena's parents both went to school here, but it wasn't until she visited Missouri State and saw the community feel that she knew she wanted to be a Bear.

  • Nick Saverino

    Nick Saverino

    Nick, who is in charge of comedy for Student Activities Council, says being in this role "is one of the most fun things I have ever done."

  • Gloria Cohen Shomo

    Gloria Cohen Shomo

    Gloria refers to her life as a journey, a journey that has afforded her the opportunity to work on "Alice in Wonderland," "Mission Impossible IV" and other popular films.

  • Nathan Nolan

    Nathan Nolan

    Nathan Nolan has never regretted his decision to become a doctor and has embraced all opportunities along the way. “All of these experiences have further solidified my desire to be a doctor and my passion for the field of medicine.”  

  • Lifeng Dong

    Lifeng Dong

    Lifeng Dong has come far in his life, graduating with his bachelor's degree and his first master's degree from Qingdao University in China and then another master's degree and a PhD from Portland State University in Oregon. Today, he lives in Springfield with his wife and his twin sons, who both love math and playing the trumpet. His research projects are also helping to develop new environmentally friendly technologies that also have medical applications.

  • Michelle Langhoff

    Michelle Langhoff

    Born and raised in California, Michelle moved to Missouri when she was 22. She was inspired by her parents to pursue her strengths in mathematics with a degree in materials science - the application of the properties of matter into science and engineering."

  • Rachel Aubuchon

    Rachel Aubuchon

    MSU Art History graduate continues master's education in North Carolina

  • Kelsea Shaw

    Kelsea Shaw

    MSU Art Education graduate takes unique experiences in to the field

  • Blaine Morehead

    Blaine Morehead

    MSU Electronic Arts graduate, animation emphasis, continues to grow in his industry.

  • Adam Bowlin

    Adam Bowlin

    Graphic Design Graduate from MSU

  • Alex Crowder

    Alex Crowder

    Graphic Design graduate from MSU co-owns a start-up

  • Caleb Knodell

    Caleb Knodell

    MSU Fine Arts Graduate, Drawing emphasis, expands horizons - literally

  • Zach Tate

    Zach Tate

    MSU Fine Arts graduate, Ceramics Emphasis, continues education at Texas Tech

  • Cassandra Artman

    Cassandra Artman

    Cassandra Artman has enjoyed the helpful programs and great people that she has found at Missouri State, and her degree in computer information systems has helped her to find internships and move towards success beyond graduation. Getting to this point wasn't so simple.

  • Joey Saba

    Joey Saba

    Joey Saba dribbled, passed and served his way through high school. As a self-proclaimed jock, Joey played on his high school’s basketball, hockey, football, golf and lacrosse teams. He even started a ping pong team, so it’s not surprising that he wanted to continue blending sports and school.

  • Kaitlyn Ramsey

    Kaitlyn Ramsey

    Although it took her some time to decide on her major, Kaitlyn settled on computer information systems. With a promising internship, she will soon continue the tradition of Missouri State in her family.

  • Kirby Williams

    Kirby Williams

    Kirby Williams knows her actors and actresses; in fact, that is how she first learned about Missouri State University.

  • Caitlin Polley

    Caitlin Polley

    Freshman Caitlin Polley had an “in” at Missouri State. Her oldest brother Chris not only attended here but served as student body president his senior year. His love for the school—and free help proofing scholarship essays—put MSU at the top of Caitlin’s short list of colleges.

  • Hayden Sander

    Hayden Sander

    Hayden Sander dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. His passion for soccer or football, as the New Zealand native calls it, brought him to Missouri State.

  • Loretha Cain

    Loretha Cain

    Loretha Cain was keeping her options open when it came to colleges her senior year of high school. But a visit to the Missouri State campus sealed the deal for her.

  • Stephen Leggitt

    Stephen Leggitt

    Born in Desoto, Missouri, Stephen has taken a life-long passion and turned it into a career.

  • Jacob Swett

    Jacob Swett

    Jacob Swett is an accomplished student. A triple-major who was also elected the president of the student body, Jacob has built a firm foundation for his future and has contributed to the improvement of our campus.

  • Lanae Flatness

    Lanae Flatness

    For Lanae, distance from home didn’t equal quality. She had her eye on the college in her backyard. What she found was a quality education with networking and study away opportunities.

  • Molly Stewart

    Molly Stewart

    Growing up with Missouri State University in her backyard, Molly Stewart thought she knew all about it. She was surprised to find a big-time school with a compact campus, comfy residence halls and hundreds of chances to get involved.

  • Heather Young

    Heather Young

    Heather Young planned to go against family tradition when choosing a college. But after visiting Missouri State, she couldn’t think of going anywhere else.

  • Justin Morrison

    Justin Morrison

    Three factors made Missouri State University the college for Justin Morrison: a convenient location, affordable academic programs and student life.

  • Dr. Christopher Barnhart

    Dr. Christopher Barnhart

    If it lives in a river in the Ozarks, Dr. Christopher Barnhart has probably come across it. 

  • Malikah Marrus

    Malikah Marrus

    This is Malikah Marrus’ first job as a professor after years of experience working in her field — and she’s already being nominated as a great teacher.

  • Dr. Kelly S. Wood

    Dr. Kelly S. Wood

    Dr. Kelly Wood thinks a professor should be more than someone who lectures and gives tests. Instead, she wants to be a mentor.

  • Dr. Arbindra Rimal

    Dr. Arbindra Rimal

    Dr. Arbindra Rimal leads trips to major agribusinesses and invites agriculture professionals into his classroom.

  • Dr. Bethany Walker

    Dr. Bethany Walker

    Dr. Bethany Walker makes history come alive for students, whether they are assisting her at archaeology sites around the world or contributing opinions in class.

  • Dr. Jerry Chin

    Dr. Jerry Chin

    Dr. Jerry Chin's students study how businesses can best use computers and technology.

  • Dr. Sue George

    Dr. Sue George

    Dr. Sue George has worked with young children and special-needs children throughout her career, so she can pass her real-life knowledge on to her students.

  • Matthew Coffelt

    Matthew Coffelt

    Getting lost on campus one day led to a great career and a great future.

  • Dr. Dianne Slattery

    Dr. Dianne Slattery

    With a background in engineering, Dr. Dianne Slattery enjoys advancing the construction industry through her research and her students.

  • Charles E. Baldwin

    Charles E. Baldwin

    Charles E. Baldwin recently retired from a career that’s out of this world — literally. He’s been involved in space exploration in several different ways.

  • Stephanie Schwartz

    Stephanie Schwartz

    One of the Ozarks’ newest entrepreneurs, Stephanie Schwartz, has taken a cue from her past and decided to make owning her own boutique part of her future.

  • Byron Smith

    Byron Smith

    Thanks to his training and experience at Missouri State, Byron Smith has taken the lead in his profession quickly.

  • Kathryn Wall

    Kathryn Wall

    Her education at Missouri State University gave her a great foundation for her career in journalism.

  • Rachel Greatwood

    Rachel Greatwood

    For Rachel Greatwood, travel is a way of life.

    “I moved all the time growing up, moving 10 times attending seven different schools,” she said.

  • Cassie Artman

    Cassie Artman

    Computer information systems student Cassie Artman pursues music interest in Pride marching band.

  • Michael Bard

    Michael Bard

    Michael Bard thought he had crossed college off his list of possibilities until a move to Springfield opened up the door to finish what he started 13 years earlier.

  • Michelle Essner

    Michelle Essner

    When Michelle Essner was deciding what college to attend, Missouri State’s number of academic programs became a deciding factor. Now as a construction management major, Michelle finds that the options that brought her to Missouri State are what excite her most about her future.

  • Laura Pearson

    Laura Pearson

    A desire to travel and explore cultures has taken one Missouri State University alumna to Africa.

  • Drew Rogers

    Drew Rogers

    “I truly believe, that if you do the right thing, it will come back to you,” said Drew Rogers, a Missouri State graduate student pursuing a degree in social work and a certificate in conflict resolution.

  • Chris Koenig

    Chris Koenig

    The greatest part of anthropology alum Chris Koenig’s job is holding an artifact that no one has seen or touched in thousands of years.

  • Tyler Durham

    Tyler Durham

    Tyler Durham’s summer routine differed from your average teenager. Rising early each morning at 6:30, Durham spent his days writing a symphony.

  • Andrea Bogart

    Andrea Bogart

    A few great opportunities, natural talent and a strong passion for performing have catapulted former Missouri State Sugar Bear Andrea Bogart from the dance floor onto the silver screen.

  • Rosemary Bane

    Rosemary Bane

    A profound belief in the power of music, a passion for education and a spirit of generosity guide the life of Ozarks native Rosemary Bane.

  • Paul Eiserman

    Paul Eiserman

    Fresh air, manicured greens, small ponds and patches of sand are all parts of the allure of a day on the golf course. While this may be a dream day for some, for Paul Eiserman, ’92, the dream is a reality — and a career.

  • Laura Underwood

    Laura Underwood

    Laura Underwood, a philosophy major from Springfield, Mo., is not your typical college student but rather someone who inspires others to try harder at everything they do.

  • Joshua Durham

    Joshua Durham

    Dusting for fingerprints, scouring phone records and hunting for clues are all typical of police investigative work. Joshua Durham, double major in computer science and applied mathematics, found out computer forensics and other techniques are key to cracking cases in this age of technology. “As an intern, I learned about the techniques and tools used in computer forensics and how to apply them to real world cases.”

  • Bo Calbert

    Bo Calbert

    Southwest Region President Bo Calbert heads one of the top commercial building companies in the United States. His experience includes overseeing construction of hospitals, schools and office buildings, and expands into renewable energy and industrial markets.

  • John F. Eilermann Jr.

    John F. Eilermann Jr.

    One of the youngest CEOs in the home-building industry credits his success to ethics, hard work and having fun. 

  • Jeffrey Thomas

    Jeffrey Thomas

    With maroon still running through his veins from his undergraduate days, Jeffrey Thomas develops innovative technology for his alma mater. Thomas found the transition from student to staff member at Missouri State an easy one. “Since I now work for Missouri State, it was very helpful to have worked with the professors and administrators on projects; it helped with my transition from student to staff.”

  • Sarah Nuelle

    Sarah Nuelle

    Alumnus Sarah Nuelle has taken her accounting degree out to the ballpark.

  • Dr. Eric Shade

    Dr. Eric Shade

    It was in high school that Dr. Eric Shade decided he wanted to make computer science his career. This path led him to Missouri State where he has helped many students become better programmers over the years and has taught almost every class offered in the computer science program. “Computer science is not for everyone, but for those students with the aptitude and inclination, it can be a lot of fun.”

  • Maranda Reynolds

    Maranda Reynolds

    When Maranda Reynolds, alumna of the computer science program, accepted her first job as a software developer at Intuitive Web Solutions (IWS), she had no formal technical training in the field. “If you are interested in math or if you are interested at all in science, it (computer science) is something you should definitely check out. I thought I was not the kind of person that would enjoy it, but I loved it.”

  • Dr. Les Heitger

    Dr. Les Heitger

    With the demise of the Enron corporation, large-scale fraud became a hot topic in media and across the nation. For Dr. Les Heitger, this increased attention has increased the need for forensic accounting specialists—a need he met by helping to create the forensic accounting certificate program at Missouri State.

  • Ashleigh Eddelbuttel

    Ashleigh Eddelbuttel

    "I knew there would be so many options here — there are a million things to try, from clubs to academic majors and people to hang out with."

  • Haley Luedloff

    Haley Luedloff

    "My mom grew up in Springfield and my cousin went to school here, so I was familiar with the area. When I visited campus to do a tour I just had a good feeling."

  • John Dean

    John Dean

    "I transferred from a small private school because I wanted to go to a bigger place with more opportunities. I decided to go with the one I had liked in the first place - Missouri State."

  • Johnny Tran

    Johnny Tran

    "I am a marketing major, and I knew the great reputation of the College of Business Administration. I am so glad I did come here. I have made true friends, and the campus is so nice."

  • Nii Abrahams

    Nii Abrahams

    "My tour sold me. I had a great feeling when I stepped on campus because of the people and the great atmosphere. It is a big school with a small, friendly feel."

  • Tara Hammer

    Tara Hammer

    "The most important part of the public affairs mission is just understanding what is going on around you — on campus, in the community and the world."

  • Deb Savinske

    Deb Savinske

    "Our job is to teach you what a professional is like, including attire and how you speak and write — you become a total package. Nurse managers tell me they love MSU graduates!”

  • Ashley Bartkoski

    Ashley Bartkoski

    For junior math major Ashley Bartkoski, coming to Missouri State was continuing a family tradition.

  • Justin Milam

    Justin Milam

    For Justin Milam, completing a dual major in mathematics and economics at Missouri State sometimes felt like a foot race.

  • Dr. Les Reid

    Dr. Les Reid

    Dr. Les Reid came to Missouri by way of Utah.

    After the mathematics professor completed his post doc there, he wanted to teach at New Mexico State University to work with Dr. Clay Sherman, a mentor.

    “He said ‘if you’re coming here to work with me don’t, because I’m going to Missouri,’” Reid said.

  • Dr. John Strong

    Dr. John Strong

    Dr. John Strong might be the only professor at Missouri State who can say he learned to ride a bicycle on campus.

  • Michael Bohlen

    Michael Bohlen

    For Michael Bohlen, the road to graduate school was kind of a long one.

  • Danny Slone

    Danny Slone

    Danny Slone’s love for history began in his childhood playing family games, such as Know Your America and Trivial Pursuit.

  • Cheyenne and Dakota Arthur

    Cheyenne and Dakota Arthur

    Cheyenne and Dakota Arthur share many similarities—the same parents, the same hair color and the same passion for agriculture.

  • Dave Lenox

    Dave Lenox

    Who wouldn’t want to make a positive impact on someone’s life? What if you could make an impact on an entire population segment? And what if you could spread it through the world? That’s what motivates one Missouri State alum.

  • Erin Wilson

    Erin Wilson

    For Erin Wilson, a senior special education/cross categorical major from St. Louis, becoming involved in her education has opened the door to countless learning opportunities. Not only has Wilson been able to network through her student membership in the Student Council for Exceptional Children, but she also has participated in many field-experiences and practicums, including an exciting internship with the International Special Olympics.

  • Lachelle Clemons

    Lachelle Clemons

    Finding your passion can happen unexpectedly. Lachelle Clemons, a 2010 graduate of the special education program at Missouri State, was influenced to follow the path to a special education degree by a very important family member.

  • Michael “Bear” Schwartz

    Michael “Bear” Schwartz

    Michael Schwartz may use his graduate degree to swap the "gypsy lifestyle" of a traveling musician for the lifestyle of a music teacher.

  • Nikki Rios

    Nikki Rios

    Graduate student in health administration says MSU is "a tremendous value."

  • Zsofia Toth

    Zsofia Toth

    Zsofia Toth came to Missouri State from Hungary and now works as a graduate assistant in the biology department.

  • Carey Powell

    Carey Powell

    Carey Powell, a 1977 graduate, has returned to campus to earn a master's degree in sports management.

  • Dr. Gilbert Brown

    Dr. Gilbert Brown

    Dr. Gilbert Brown teaches future student affairs professionals, who make campus life more convenient, enriched or fun.

  • Dr. David Claborn

    Dr. David Claborn

    Dr. David Claborn teaches classes in both public health and homeland security. Though at first glance these subjects seem worlds apart, Dr. Claborn believes the two areas exist best together.

  • Ashley Rush Wakefield

    Ashley Rush Wakefield

    Ashley Rush Wakefield didn’t take a University course just for a grade; she wanted to learn how to start her own business.

     

  • Shelby Holmes

    Shelby Holmes

    "What really cemented it for me were the free tickets to basketball games for all students!"

  • Heather Cotter

    Heather Cotter

    Alumna designed spaces for her alma matter that are used daily by faculty, students, staff and friends of Missouri State University.

  • Carrie Massie

    Carrie Massie

    “Fashion is such a creative and imaginative world”

  • Dr. Brett Garland

    Dr. Brett Garland

    Understanding the power of a community, Dr. Brett Garland explores the prisoner re-entry process to help ex-prisoners navigate the challenges of life outside of prison.

  • Kerry Nelson

    Kerry Nelson

    As an employer, Kerry Nelson believes that the invaluable experience of an internship or volunteer opportunity helps students stand apart from the rest.

  • Monika Ahluwalia

    Monika Ahluwalia

    Monika Ahluwalia’s success as treasury operations team lead for The World Bank Treasury in India is a testament to the global reach of Missouri State’s MBA program.

  • Allison Hughes

    Allison Hughes

    Strong written communication skills and real-life experiences prepared Allison Hughes for the opportunities and challenges of agency public relations.

  • Dr. Heather Carmack

    Dr. Heather Carmack

    With a passion for health communication, Dr. Heather Carmack prepares her students to not only effectively communicate in health settings but to be critical consumers of today’s top health issues.

  • Kristen Stout

    Kristen Stout

    By partnering her debate skills with her love for politics, Kristen Stout lays the foundation for success as a political communicator through the department of communication.

  • Scott Turk

    Scott Turk

    Integrating his communication courses with campus involvement, Scott Turk builds a foundation for success as a public servant.

  • Rachel Happel

    Rachel Happel

    Rachel Happel commits herself to protecting children who are victims of abuse. During her time at Missouri State, she helped develop a certificate program that would better prepare students for serving victims of child abuse.

  • Cathy Starr

    Cathy Starr

    Cathy Starr’s goal as an assistant professor in Missouri State’s fashion and interior design program is to breathe life into the subject matter she presents to her students.

  • Katie Perrini

    Katie Perrini

    Katie Perrini, a senior in fashion merchandising, is constantly on the go. If she’s not in class, she’s working. If she’s not working, she’s leading the Association of Fashion and Design. Or, maybe she’s spending time in London, China or New York City on internships.

  • Michelle Kelsay-Mahler

    Michelle Kelsay-Mahler

    Pursuing dual majors in fashion design and fashion merchandising, Michelle Kelsay is maximizing her creative ability while learning how to be a great businessperson at the same time.

  • Julie Stotlar

    Julie Stotlar

    Vast potential career options in fashion enticed Julia (Julie) Stotlar, an alumna of the fashion and interior design program, to study at Missouri State University.

  • Dr. Elizabeth Rozell

    Dr. Elizabeth Rozell

    Dr. Elizabeth Rozell is recognized for her expertise on emotional intelligence and international entrepreneurship. She and fellow professor Dr. Wesley Scroggins are currently studying the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs around the world by working with university business teachers from 40 different countries to collect data.

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