2023-2024 Citizen Scholar
The six students selected for the 2023–2024 Citizen Scholar Award were chosen based upon their dedication to the Public Affairs Mission of the university through coursework, activities, and service-learning opportunities.
Tyler Crane
Tyler is a senior from Buffalo, Missouri and is majoring in Elementary Education. Tyler intends to teach at an elementary school in the Southwest Missouri region after graduation. Tyler is serving as president of two student organizations and working part-time to produce Bears Den videos for the university’s student-led YouTube channel. These videos are created with the intention of showcasing Missouri State to prospective students.
In her essay Tyler wrote “Most importantly, my passion for education has grown significantly during my time here. Through my coursework, practicum experience, and my role as a Substitute Teacher, I've
strengthened my commitment to encouraging a love for learning in young minds. My decision to pursue a career in education has been solidified as a result of the platform MSU has given
me to explore and grow this love.”
Her nominator, Amber Howard, Assistant Professor at Childhood Education and Family Studies department stated, “Tyler’s strength of character, passion for education, and commitment to public service and community impact differentiate her as a strong student member of the university community. I have no doubt she will make positive impact on the lives of her students, tending to their academic as well as their social-emotional needs with great care.””
Heather Day
Heather is a senior from The Colony, Texas and is majoring in Nursing. Heather’s plan after graduation is to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing Education at Missouri State University. Heather has served in West Plains in the Student Government Association as the Chief of Staff/Vice President, and Historian. She was also the Vice President of Alpha Delta Nu and the President of the Student Nurses Association.
Heather noted in her essay … I have a “…burning passion for providing compassionate care beyond belief to each and every one of my patients. I currently work at the Cancer Treatment Center at Ozarks Healthcare. In a career that most deem gloomy and difficult, it has been such an honor to come alongside our patients and love them through their difficult journeys no matter the outcome. This passion was developed and nurtured throughout my time in the ASN Nursing program at MSU–WP. The instructors of that program have undoubtedly been handpicked for their positions and consistently pour into their students and exemplify the characteristics that good nurses should have.”
In explaining why, he nominated her, Gary Phillips, Department of Communication said, “From service in military through an early career and into her education she has consistently been not only involved, but a leader in serving others. Heather runs at full speed in all aspects of her life and is an example of giving for family, classmates and community. As I approach retirement I consider doing less. Heather makes me want to do more.”
Susan Hardy
Susan is a junior from Nixa, Missouri. She is majoring in History with a double minor in Classics and Anthropology. Post-graduation, she plans to go to graduate school in the United Kingdom for a master’s degree in ancient history with an emphasis in religious studies. Following completion, she hopes to work in public history, assisting in curation and exhibition design for museums abroad. Susan has been active while serving in Student Government as the Director of Academic Affairs and the Director of Student Affairs. She serves as the president of the history honor society Phi Alpha Theta, is a member of Anthropology Club, History Club, the Honors College, Phi Kappa Phi honor society, and works as a University Ambassador.
Susan wrote in her essay “As I make my Missouri Statement, I seek out more ways I can give back to the university that has given me so much. I truly cannot overestimate all that Missouri State University has done for me, and I am so incredibly grateful for the ways it has shaped my future. ”
Susan’s nominator, Tom Peters, Dean of Library Services stated, “Her significant and successful work in relation to the Ozarks Program on the National Mall in DC this past summer was one of the purest and best forms of civic engagement I’ve ever witnessed.”
Triona Leach
Triona is a senior from Oakville, Missouri and is majoring in Human Resources. Following her graduation in May of 2024, she plans to work in Human Resources and one day work for the public sector. Triona has served as the President of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) since Fall of 2022. In partnership with the Foster Recreation Center, Triona has pushed for the reintroduction of the Green Bike Program. This program is set to launch in spring and will provide accessible transportation while promoting eco-conscious practices.
Her essay included “I would say I have a passion for learning new cultures, working with students, and self-improvement. My passion for learning new cultures has always existed, in high school even though I was horrible at learning new languages and insisted on taking foreign language classes so I could learn about the diverse cultures associated with the languages. But this passion really took off at MSU when I started having professors who were from other countries and peers who were studying abroad here.”
Her nominator, Toni Braddish, Coordinator of Leadership Development and Programming writes… “Triona is a kind-hearted leader with a passion for service, advocacy, and leadership. Her commitment to the public affairs mission knows no limit and I believe her actions demonstrate this commitment every single day.””
Sarah McCord
Sarah is a graduate student from California, Missouri. She is currently studying to obtain her master's in agriculture, and after graduation she wants to pursue a career which allows her to share her passion in international development while educating others and advocating for the agriculture industry. Sarah has served on the Graduate Student Senate, the Graduate Program Committee and the DARR Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
In her essay, Sarah wrote “my experience has been based on service and making a global impact. My internship with Convoy of Hope has been one opportunity which MSU led me to which contributed to encouraging and enhancing my passions. Specifically, being able to make a Missouri Statement like the one I have also allows me to execute and utilize my passions. I believe I have set myself up to find a job that will allow me to combine each of my interests.”
Her nominator, Dr. Christine Sudbrock, Assistant Professor in the Darr College of Agriculture, noted, “…Sarah has taken on an increasing amount of responsibility to develop demonstration plots which not only serves as training grounds for international organizations, but also benefit local community via food pantries. She is deeply dedicated to the public affairs missions and lives it out in her personal, professional, and academic life.”
Erik Netzer
Erik is a senior from Springfield, Missouri. He is currently majoring in Civil Engineering. After graduation, Erik plans to work at MoDOT as a Construction Inspector for the Springfield Area and become a civil servant within the local community through volunteering and community engagement. Erik has been active during his time at MSU serving in Student Government, middle school STEM activities, Science Olympiad and many more.
In his essay, Erik wrote “I am passionate about being kind, patient, and a sounding board for people who need it at any time with any problem. I have always understood that it is of upmost importance as a human being to treat others with respect, be kind in your actions and with your works, and be open-minded to other individuals’ experiences and their environment. These passions were established before attending Missouri State University, but the experiences that I have had at this university have given me the guidance required to develop these passions as I transition to professional life. All in all, it is important to be passionate as it allows the individual to stay on their path and to not become complacent.”
Erik’s nominator, Dr. Sanjay Tewari, Associate Professor in the Cooperative Engineering Program mentioned, “Erik’s activities in the MSU engineering program are more than a reflection of his professional life. Erik truly represents the spirit of the Citizen Scholar Award because, despite his involvement in student leadership, community service and outreach activities he performs at an equally high level academically.”