STAR Awards

What are the STAR Awards?

In 1996 Missouri State University hosted the first ever Student Talent and Recognition (STAR) Awards Ceremony. Each year the STAR Awards ceremony honors outstanding student leaders and student organizations which have been nominated by various organizations, students, faculty, and staff. Since its beginning, STAR Awards has recognized over 350 students, organizations, and advisors at Missouri State.

About the awards and application process

On average, 150 applications are submitted to the Office of Student Engagement each year and nominations are taken from faculty, staff, students, and student organizations. We encourage you to make nominations for every award possible, for there are two categories: Organization Awards and Individual Awards.

No applications will be accepted via email or physically. Only those submitted utilizing the online nomination form will be accepted.

2026 STAR Awards

This occasion is best described as a business formal/cocktail event which surrounds its guests with elegant décor.

  • Monday, April 20th
  • Location: Darr Agriculture Center
  • 6:00 pm

2026 STAR Awards Nominations

  • Nominations for STAR Awards are currently open! You can apply here, applications are open until February 16. 
  • Student organization programs that took place between August 1, 2025 - February 16, 2026 are eligible for nomination. If you have questions about a specific program and its eligibility, please reach out to OSEIA@missouristate.edu

 

Individual Awards Categories & Rubrics

  • Freshman of the Year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student with less than 30 credit hours completed
  • Sophomore of the Year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student with between 30-59 credit hours completed
  • Junior of the Year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student with between 60-89 credit hours completed
  • Senior of the Year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student with over 90 credit hours completed
  • Graduate Student of the year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU graduate student that has completed at least one semester of coursework
  • Transfer Student of the year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student who has: a) transferred from a different university; and b) has not already won this award
  • First-Generation Student of the Year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student who is the first in their family to attend college
  • Non-Traditional Student of the Year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student who self-identifies as a 'Non-Traditional' or 'Adult' student
  • Organization Leader of the Year
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student who has made a significant impact on their peers, their organization(s), and the greater campus community
  • Organization Advisor of the Year
    • Eligibility: Any faculty/staff advisor for a registered MSU student organization
  • Living Our Values
    • Eligibility: Any current MSU student who exemplifies one or more pillars of our Public Affairs mission
  • Friend of the OSE
  • Resident of the Year
  • Dr. Earle Doman Award
  • Sara Bickel Leadership Award

Organizational Awards Categories & Rubrics

  • Academic/Professional Program of the Year
    • This award is the top award of the year--we will award the Mark of Distinction award to one outstanding student organization that has gone above and beyond this year, and we will award up to three Distinguished Merit awards to student organizations who receive honorable mention for the top award.
  • TC - Social/Service/Philanthropic Program of the Year
    • This award is given to the student organization that showcases the most significant, positive growth over the year.
  • Outstanding Leadership/Membership DevelopmentOutstanding New Organization 
    • This award is given to a student organization that was founded this academic year (2024-2025)
  • Org of the Year - SSO 
    • This award is given to a student organization that exemplifies one or more pillars of MSU's Public Affairs mission
  • Org of the Year - ASO
    • This award is given to a student organization who goes above and beyond to train and develop their general membership (and beyond)
  • Org of the Year - RSO 
    • This award is given to a student organization that is a leader in fostering an increased sense of inclusion & belonging among MSU students
  • Most Improved Organization 
    • This award is given to a student organization that showcases outstanding use of one or more social media platform(s).
  • Outstanding New Student Organization
    • This award is given to a student organization that hosted an outstanding program dedicated to education/professional development
  • PubAff - Outstanding Commitment to Public Affairs
    • This award is given to a student organization that hosted an outstanding program dedicated to service, philanthropy, or socialization of students.
  • Outstanding Social Media Presence
  • FRC - Club Sport of the Year
  • Bookstore - Outstanding Merch Design
  • SGA Initiative Award 2026 
    • This award, sponsored by the Student Government Association, highlights a focus area voted on by members of the SGA Cabinet
    • This year, SGA has chosen to honor Intentional Leadership--this award is given to a student organization that has prioritized thoughtful, intentional leadership in their org(s), and/or their greater campus community

Questions about STAR Awards?

If your question is not addressed above, please email OSEIA@missouristate.edu or call the Office of Student Engagement at 417-836-4386.