The latest class of Citizen Scholars at Missouri State University work and study different fields, but bring strong community engagement skills with them.
The latest class of award winners was named Thursday by the Missouri State University Board of Governors.
The award, created in 2007, recognizes students who have made great achievements in community engagement, leadership and academics.
No other award given to students is so closely tied in with the university’s public affairs mission, said Dee Siscoe, vice president for student affairs, in August. The recognition from the Board of Governors makes this an elite award, she said.
“We’re not just looking for a good GPA, here,” Siscoe said. “We also look for service to the community and work through the university’s public affairs mission, and whether they can demonstrate good community engagement, cultural competence and ethical leadership.”
Nominations are collected from faculty and staff members, and award winners are chosen by a board committee.
The class includes:
Senior Tyler Crane, of Buffalo. The elementary education major is also president of Bears Teach Elementary and Kappa Delta Pi. She also works part time as a producer with the university’s Bears Den YouTube channel, which gives an inside look of MSU to prospective students. Her plans after graduation include teaching at an elementary school in the region.
Senior Heather Day, of The Colony, Texas. A student at the West Plains campus, Day is working for a nursing degree. She is a past chief of staff for the campus’ Student Government Association, a vice-president of Alpha Delta Nu and the president of the Student Nurses Association. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in nursing from MSU.
Junior Susan Hardy, of Nixa. With an eye on the past, Hardy is majoring in history with a double minor in classics and anthropology. She plans to continue her education in the U.K. working on a master’s in ancient history with an emphasis on religion. In the here and now, Hardy is president of the history honor society Phi Alpha Theta and a member of the Honors College, Phi Kappa Phi, Anthropology Club and History Club.
Senior Triona Leach, of Oakville, Missouri. The major in human resources is also the president of the Residence Hall Association, and has partnered with the Foster Recreation Center to reintroduce the Green Bike Program, an accessible transportation program set to launch in the spring. After graduation, she plans to work in the public sector.
Graduate student Sara McCord, of California, Missouri. Working on a master’s degree in agriculture, McCord has worked on the Graduate Student Senate, Graduate Program Committee and the DARR Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Her career plans after earning her degree call for finding a career that focuses on international development, as well as agricultural education and advocacy.
Senior Erik Netzer, of Springfield. Majoring in civil engineering, Netzer has also served with Student Government Association and helped with middle school STEM activities and the Science Olympiad. After graduation, he plans to work as a construction inspector with the Missouri Department of Transportation, and to volunteer with community groups.
