2024-2025 Citizen Scholars
The Citizen Scholar Award is the highest award available to Missouri State University students. Since the award’s inception in 2007, 101 exceptional students have been recognized for their stellar achievements with academics, community engagement and leadership.
The 2024-2025 Citizen Scholar recipients are:
Faith Collins
Faith is a junior from Alton, Missouri and is majoring in Professional Writing with a minor in Ozarks Studies. She interns with the Ozark Heritage Research Resource Center and has been published in the “American Bee Journal” and “Elder Mountain.” Faith’s community work extends beyond cultural documentation; she’s a dedicated member of her local church, actively involved in Vacation Bible School and community mission projects. Faith intends to become a freelance copyeditor specializing in regional topics after graduation.
Her nominator, Dr. Phillips noted “When I think of Faith’s achievements I think of both academic and life...As a Public Speaking teacher I have been most struck by her willingness, and ability, to share her information with a live audience, face-to-face and answering questions.”
Ashlie German
Ashlie is a senior from Springfield, Missouri majoring in supply chain, logistics and operations management along with a minor in Business analytics and Spanish. Ashlie is serving as chapter president for Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity. Post graduation, Ashlie wants to start her career in supply chain analytics and relocate to either Kansas City or Dallas, Texas.
Her nominator stated, “Ashlie wants to be a positive role model to younger generations. She wants to show them that with determination, they too can go to college and achieve great things. … Let me say that I have no doubt she can adeptly meet the challenges in anything she sets her mind to achieve.”
Michael Guilfoy
Michael is a senior from Des Peres, Missouri and is majoring in political science and modern language. After graduation Michael wants to pursue a master’s degree to prepare for a career in international business or higher education.
Michael’s nominator, Dr. Peng, mentioned “Michael distinguishes himself from other strong student members of the Missouri State University community through his ability to serve as a conduit between international and domestic students, fostering an inclusive, diverse and supportive environment. His leadership in SAAB, combined with his role in the Community and Global Partnerships office and Global Leaders and Mentors program, illustrates his unique capacity to bridge cultural divides, promoting mutual understanding and inclusivity, and connecting the community with the world.”
Simoriah Longhorn
Simoriah is a senior from O’Fallon, Illinois studying Nutrition and Dietetics. She serves as president of Sigma Delta Pi and La Barraca promoting Hispanic culture and language engaging with both academic and local communities. After graduation, she intends to work as a registered dietitian and help people improve their health while also exploring her passion for different cultures travelling the world.
Her nominator Hillary wrote, “Simoriah is one of the most positive individuals I have ever met, her positivity and smile are contagious. She puts great effort in contributing to common good from promoting the Hispanic culture here at MSU to volunteering at Ozarks Food Harvest and then delivering evidence-based nutrition information to local nutrition professionals and the public.
Kayla Pfitzner
Kayla is a senior from Springfield, Missouri currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration along with a graduate certificate in marketing analytics. She is president of the MBA Association, vice president of service for Women in Business, and serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
Kayla’s nominator Dr. Elizabeth mentioned, “I am honored to have gotten to know Kayla as an MBA student and as a Graduate Assistant in the COB Graduate Programs Office. When you work with someone every day, you get to see people on their best and their most unfavorable days. Kayla does not have unfavorable days. She approaches each day as a gift and as an opportunity… Kayla makes days better. This is a Citizen Scholar.”
Gerald Schiele
Gerald is a senior majoring in Accounting from Raymore, Missouri. After graduation, Gerald will be working full time with Forvis Mazars in Kansas City. While in Kansas City, he plans to be active in the National Association of Black Accountants to help restore a chapter in Kansas City and creating a pipeline of diverse talent. He interned with BMG Advisors and served as a personal assistant to the CEO of SAAB National.
His nominator Dr. Kimberly wrote, “Gerald’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion is a testament to his dedication to the public affairs mission. He has passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented students and address the lack of racial diversity in the accounting industry.”