December featured notable achievements and academic success for our students in Access & Success Programs. Below are a few end-of-semester highlights!
Academic Excellence
The 448 students served by Access & Success Programs demonstrated strong academic performance during the Fall 2025 semester, earning an overall GPA of 3.29 and a semester GPA of 3.12. 177 students (40%) were recognized on the Dean’s List!
Bears Lead Ambassadors stood out in particular, with a 3.55 overall GPA, 3.44 semester GPA, and 52% earning Dean’s List honors!
We are so proud of our students and the hard work and dedication these accomplishments represent.
Student Spotlight
Gilman Scholarship Recipients
We are proud to celebrate two Bears Lead students who were awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, expanding access to global learning opportunities:
- Caleb Morris will study abroad for a full academic year in Nishinomiya, Japan, at Kwansei Gakuin University. In addition to the Gilman Scholarship, Caleb also received the Critical Need Language Award for Japanese, recognizing his commitment to language learning in a high-need area.
- Lexus Diaz will study abroad this summer with Bears Lead in Mérida, Mexico, at Universidad Anáhuac Mayab, where she will participate in academic coursework and engage in cultural immersion.
Citizen Scholar Award Recipients
We are also incredibly proud to celebrate three Bears Lead alumni who received the Citizen Scholar Award, the highest honor a Missouri State University student can earn:
- Megan Bolen
- Jessica Snare
- Sam Wang
This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and civic engagement.
Mo State Graduates
Finally, we want to recognize the ten Bears Lead alums who graduated from Missouri State this semester:
- Nicole Bowden
- Laci Connelly
- Kyra Cullers
- Abou Gayeyou
- Amber Higgins
- Niyizigama Jeanine
- Jordan Lawver
- Arthur Parr
- Elizabeth Poe
- Megan Sanders
Congratulations, Bears Leaders! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Programming
End-of-Semester Celebration: Wonders of Wildlife
To celebrate the end of the semester and relax before finals week, we wrapped things up with a visit to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. The trip gave students a chance to unwind and spend time with their peers.
Join the Access and Success Programs Community
Whether you are a campus or community partner, current or former Bears Lead student, or simply interested in learning more about Access and Success Programs, we invite you to join our community. Together, we are committed to empowering students, celebrating achievements, and creating pathways to success. Sign up for our blog for monthly updates on Access and Success Programs.
Support Bears Lead
Want to contribute to the work our department is doing to support students through Bears Lead? You can donate to our MSU Foundation fund! To do so, complete the MSU Foundation gift form and select Bears Lead from the options listed when you select “Click here to search or choose multiple designations.” Thank you for your support!
We’re Social!
For more frequent updates, success stories, and opportunities to get involved, stay connected with Bears Lead on social media.
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