External Recognition and Awards Policy

G3.08-1 External Recognition and Awards Policy

Missouri State University recognizes certain outstanding contributions through three signature recognitions and awards: the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame, the Bronze Bear, and the Government Excellence Award.

Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame

The Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame will be operated and maintained by Missouri State University.

To be eligible for induction into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame nominees must have a connection to the state of Missouri. Elected public officials, the president of Missouri State University, members of the Selection Committee, and Missouri State Board of Governors members cannot be nominated.

Inductees will be selected based on their support of public affairs and engaged citizenship. The selection process will recognize that public affairs is not restricted to politics, humanities or the social sciences, but that its presence is found in all areas that require critical thinking, participation and the willingness to work for the common good. Inductees’ support of public affairs may relate to the following:

  • The designated Missouri State University pillars of public affairs;
  • The Missouri State University public affairs annual theme;
  • Demonstration of active community engagement for a sustained period of time;
  • Evidence of broad impact resulting from public and community service; or
  • Demonstration of how the inductee serves as a role model of public affairs and how the inductee instills the public affairs mission in others.

Nominations may be submitted for consideration at any time through the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame webpage. However, to ensure consideration, nominations should be submitted before July 1 for the class two years after such date (e.g., July 1, 2016 for consideration in the class to be inducted in the spring of 2018). Additionally, the president of the university and/or the Selection Committee may nominate individuals of their own accord at any time during the selection process. All nominations must include the nominee’s name. Nominators are encouraged to submit additional information about the nominee to consider during the selection process.

The president will create a Selection Committee consisting of no fewer than five members. The Selection Committee will review all nominations and recommend to the president which nominees should be inducted into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame. The final selection of nominees for induction will be made by the Selection Committee subject to the president’s approval.

Bronze Bear

Missouri State University presents the Bronze Bear Award to recognize extraordinary achievement and/or outstanding support for the university. The award is presented to one or more individuals who have taken significant action to demonstrate commitment to Missouri State University. Upon receiving input from Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, the Student Government Association, Administrative Council and others in the university community, the president of the university recommends one or more recipients for the Bronze Bear Award for approval by the Board of Governors. The award has traditionally been approved by the Board of Governors at its October meeting and presented at the December commencement ceremony.

Government Excellence Award

Missouri State University presents the Government Excellence Award to recognize extraordinary achievement and/or outstanding support for the university by a current or former elected or appointed government official. The award is presented to a government official who has taken significant action to demonstrate commitment to Missouri State University. Upon receiving input from Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, the Student Government Association, Administrative Council and others in the university community, the president of the university recommends the recipient for the Government Excellence Award for approval by the Board of Governors. The award will typically be approved by the Board of Governors at its October meeting and presented at the December commencement ceremony.

Revocation

Missouri State University may revoke the grant of any of these three (3) signature recognitions and awards if it determines, in its sole discretion, that the conduct of the recipient constitutes a significant departure from the university’s high standards, as exemplified by the three (3) pillars of its public affairs mission: ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement, and thus undermines the credibility, integrity and/or purpose of the award. The decision to revoke the grant of any such recognition or award shall be made by the original granting authority. Thus, the decision to revoke an individual’s inclusion in the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame shall be made by the president, while a decision to revoke the Bronze Bear or Government Excellence Award shall be made by the Board of Governors.