To further MSU’s support, the Nontraditional Student Organization was founded in 2018.
Why is it important to have the Nontraditional Student Organization on campus?
Vonetta Ivy-Medlock explains:
“A group of nontraditional students saw the wisdom in starting an organization that addresses issues unique to adult learners. We are long-term professionals looking for a career change.
“We are also military vets, moms, dads, husbands, and wives. We are even retirees and semi-retirees who simply want to keep up with the ever-changing world around us. Yet, we are also the 23-year-old who didn’t go directly to college straight out of high school as well as the 21-year-old newlywed taking classes online.”
She continued:
“Simply put, faculty, staff and students alike do not see many of us as ‘nontraditional students’when we really are!
“As a result, the resources available to nontraditional students oftentimes go untapped, which can ultimately deter adult students from choosing and staying at Missouri State. In contrast, NTSO can help give these adult learners the support and camaraderie needed to reach their academic and career goals.”
Balancing school, work and life
Vonetta is a full-time agriculture business major, a wife and a parent.
“I always knew I wanted to pursue higher education once my babies were all old enough to attend school full-time. So, no sooner was my youngest child registered for kindergarten, I began applying for college!”
Missouri State’s support for nontraditional students impressed her from the start. When she was considering possible schools to attend, other institutions left her feeling out of place as a returning student. Missouri State demonstrated strong resources and knowledge via its award-winning adult student services department.
“I am happy to attend a university that continues to make it easier to get a quality education However, I believe more work must be done to make our wonderful campus more attractive to the nontraditional student.”
Adult student services offers:
Jaime Ross and John Hall, along with their staff, have worked hard to make sure student needs are met.
“Whether I was celebrating scholarship awards, mourning the loss of a loved one, venting about awful drivers, stressing about exams, needing to register for a class last-minute, or just wondering how to keep it all together, Jaime and John have been there for me. Those two never cease to go above and beyond for the adult learner.”
Learn more about the NTSO and other resources for nontraditional students.
