Each May, our country celebrates Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. It’s an opportunity to explore and pay tribute to this group of people, who has not only helped to shape America’s history and culture, but also is vital in its future success.   In fall 2023, Missouri State University had about 2% of its student population that identified as APIDA. Sam Wang, a history and anthropology second-year student at Missouri State, speaks about his experience as an Asian American student in the Ozarks. He talks about how listening to the experiences and stories ..read more

Following a national search, Dr. Melissa Bledsoe will become the permanent dean of Missouri State University’s William H. Darr College of Agriculture on May 1.   Bledsoe has been interim dean since June 2023.   “Dr. Bledsoe is the right choice to lead the Darr College of Agriculture as it continues to evolve, offering unique ‘farm-to-fork’ curriculum and learning experiences,” said Dr. John Jasinski, Missouri State provost. “Her student-focused, team-oriented and results-driven approach — combined with her understanding of changing internal needs and external expectations — will ..read more

With the theme of “Inclusive Engagement: Uplifting the Power of Community,” Missouri State University’s 2024 Collaborative Diversity Conference aims to connect citizens and foster community around conversations related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Attendees can expect engaging discussions on a variety of topics ranging from violence prevention education to early career mentorship programs. “This conference offers a great opportunity for people to come and engage with one another, share ideas, feel a space of belonging in terms of their value and have challenging conversations,” said Dr ..read more

Missouri State University advancement will soon have a new home thanks, in part, to an anonymous seven-figure donation for a new center on campus.   To be located on the northwest corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard, the Clifton M. Smart III Advancement Center will serve as the home base for university advancement, the Alumni Association and the Missouri State Foundation.  “I was stunned to learn someone had given an anonymous lead gift to name the advancement center in my honor,” said President Clif Smart. “I have loved being president of this university and am so plea ..read more

Each year, the Missouri State University Alumni Association honors a group of distinguished alumni and former university faculty and staff in an awards ceremony.  The event celebrates their professional accomplishments, civic achievements, volunteer impact and more, which bring recognition to the university. Their leadership roles and impact on their communities are among the hallmarks of these alumni and friends from around the globe.    The 2024 Bears of Distinction Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m., April 20 in the Christopher S. Bond Learning Center ..read more

Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Missouri State University with the Tree Campus USA award for its dedication toward creating a nature friendly college experience for everyone on campus. This is the eighth consecutive year MSU has received this recognition. While MSU was recognized for planting an abundance of trees for the improvement of the environment, there are many other benefits beyond the environmental aspect. This includes reducing the amount of energy the campus needs to generate, mitigating the effects of climate change and providing a calm and beautiful space for students, staff a ..read more

Sustainability is about more than just planting trees and recycling. In an increasingly disposable world, a focus on sustainable practices is an active sport, not a passive hobby. Missouri State University is committed to sustainability and stewardship, working to create a sustainable environment through community service efforts, the application of earth-friendly technology and practices, research projects and responsible development planning. Ahead of Earth Week, the university’s new sustainability coordinator Tracey Coronado offers her insights. To learn more about what Earth Week events ar ..read more

To connect local practitioners, community members, nonprofits, students and researchers on themes around poverty, the Center for Ozarks Poverty Research (COPR) at Missouri State University presents its first-ever free Community Conference on Poverty.   Themed, “Housing, Homelessness and Families,” the conference takes place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 26 in Hill Hall, Room 001. It will explore housing as a complex issue, covering topics like affordability, homelessness, homeownership, low-quality housing, neighborhood development and community unity.  “One of the goals of this conf ..read more

Missouri State University and Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will collaborate to make postsecondary education more accessible.   Through a new scholarship, troop members can receive financial support for college.  The new Missouri State University/Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri freshman scholarship is an annual renewable award of $2,000.  “Missouri State University and Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri are united in our commitment to empower young women through education. With this scholarship, we’re not just funding their education; we’re investing in their future, their f ..read more

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