Onward, Upward: The Campaign for Missouri State University

A collection of short videos about the scholarship pillars within the Onward Upward campaign.

When you give back, we all move forward

When you’re a supporter of Missouri State, you’re a member of our Bear family. You understand that all Bears are tied together by common experiences and a common love for MSU. Bears make a difference in the university, the community and the world. Now, we’re asking you to help us make a difference on our campuses and beyond for the next generation.

A message from the campaign chair

I’m going to start off by saying thank you. I can’t say it enough. I’ve been given so much in this world, and it all started because I was in the right place, at the right time at Missouri State.

A message from President Clif Smart

There has never been a better time to be a Bear. In the last decade, Missouri State University has celebrated some major milestones. But we do face challenges. Help us champion higher education.

President Clif Smart

Scholarship plays a supporting role so Bears can take center stage

A long-standing award, created by alumnus John Goodman, helps graduating students who dream of becoming performers.

Campaign stories

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Aerial view of the Hammons Fountain and Jane A. Meyer Carillon.

Campaign progress

Help us move forward.

Move Missouri State into the future

We have a long history of educating students to become successful global citizens. Onward, upward — a line from a historic version of the Missouri State fight song — reflects our pride in our past. It also reflects the knowledge that we must always push forward to elevate our performance, our profile and our people. This fundraising campaign, the largest we have ever undertaken, will support and transform the university in four priority areas.

Students sitting outside

Students

A Missouri State education opens up a world of opportunity. Yet despite our affordable tuition, it’s still out of reach for too many aspiring learners.

Faculty member sitting on table in front of books

Faculty

Missouri State’s passionate teachers and researchers serve as mentors on campus. They are also leaders who tackle local, national and global challenges.

Exterior view of Glass Hall

Facilities

Our actors, athletes, scholars and scientists deserve to pursue their dreams in places that inspire creativity, collaboration and ever higher levels of performance.

Group of students in maroon shirts

Programs

Our programs give students an enriched university experience.

  • You expand possibilities for future Bears

    You know an education from Missouri State can foster purpose and build integrity. Maybe earning a degree changed your life, or the life of someone you love. We understand college is a major investment. Our philosophy: A quality education should be within the financial reach of all students. We do all we can to control costs. But we still know the monetary burden of attending university is just too much for some students.

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    Kamran Choudhry

  • Endowments give MSU a national presence

    Dr. John Schmalzbauer, a professor of religious studies, is an expert in Protestantism in America and religion on college campuses. For a recent book, he spent years researching and collaborating with experts from around the nation. In 2018, he and a co-author published “The Resilience of Religion in Higher Education.”

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    Dr. John Schmalzbauer

  • Their gift ensured health across campus

    In 2014, Missouri State had a problem: A study showed our health and wellness center was on track to quickly outgrow its facility. That meant soon, the MSU community might not be able to access care in a timely way. People stepped up to help — especially one family. In October 2015, students voted in favor of a fee to pay for a larger center. Gifts and grants came in from supporters.

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    Bryan Magers

  • Marching among the nation’s best bands

    When the Pride Band is performing, you can guarantee MSU spirit is soaring. You see this group at major events and athletics contests on campus and across Springfield. They also raise the national and international profile of MSU when they perform at events like the London New Year’s Day Parade.

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    Brad Snow