Access & Success Programs has been busy preparing for another exciting academic year while celebrating the incredible work of our students and staff. From national conference presentations to outreach across the state and preparing to welcome a new cohort of Bears Leaders, here’s a look at what we were up to in July.
Student Spotlight
We are proud to spotlight Bears Lead Ambassadors President Sterhlyng Adkins-Dutro, who represented Missouri State University alongside Dr. Clarenda Phillips at the AASCU 2026 Summer Meeting for Academic and Student Affairs Leaders in New Orleans, Louisiana. 
The conference centered around an important question:
“How can regional public universities evolve—strategically, structurally, and culturally—while strengthening their role as anchors of democracy, opportunity, and student success?”
Sterhlyng participated in the conference’s closing plenary, “Leading for Democracy on America’s Campuses: A Conversation,” which was recorded live as a special edition of the Voices for Justice podcast. The panel brought together provosts and student leaders from campuses participating in The American Democracy Project to discuss how higher education can strengthen democratic learning, civic participation, and constructive dialogue.
The distinguished panel featured:
- Sterhlyng Adkins-Dutro, Missouri State University Student
- Dr. Clarenda Phillips, Missouri State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Jill Arensdorf, Fort Hays State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Dimetri Horner, Harris-Stowe State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Isaac Hargett, Fort Hays State University Student Coordinator
- Nia Haydel, Complete College America Vice President for Institutional Transformation and Scaling
Sterhlyng’s participation highlights the leadership, engagement, and student voice that Bears Lead Ambassadors strives to cultivate. We are incredibly proud to see one of our students representing Missouri State at the national level and contributing to conversations about the future of higher education.
Congratulations, Sterhlyng, on this outstanding accomplishment!
Access Programs
Wyman Connections Summit 
On July 8th, Bears Lead Program Coordinators Armani Eason and Kylie Haraldson led an Academic Success Crash Course at the Wyman Connections Summit in St. Louis.
Their interactive session equipped students with practical tools to help them begin and continue their college journey with confidence. Topics included:
- Organization strategies
- Time management
- How to effectively read and use a course syllabus
- Professional email etiquette
Helping students develop these foundational academic skills is an important part of promoting long-term student success. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Wyman and support students as they prepare for & continue their higher education journey.
AdvanceHER Fair
On July 11th, Access & Success Programs Director Dr. Ryan Reed represented Missouri State University at the inaugural AdvanceHER Fair, hosted by Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. The event celebrated the launch of AdvanceHER, a new initiative focused on empowering girls through college preparedness, career exploration, and leadership development. By tabling alongside other post-secondary partners, Dr. Reed connected with Girl Scouts and their families, sharing information about Missouri State University and the many opportunities available to future Bears. Events like the AdvanceHER Fair reflect Access & Success Programs’ commitment to expanding educational access, building meaningful community partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of college students to envision their path to higher education. 
Welcoming a New Cohort of Bears Leaders
The excitement continues to build as we prepare to welcome approximately 150 incoming freshmen to the newest Bears Lead cohort!
Bears Lead Orientation is just around the corner on August 13th & 14th, providing new students with an opportunity to connect with fellow Bears Leaders, meet Mo State faculty & staff, and become familiar with the campus resources that will support them throughout their college experience.
Orientation is only the beginning. Throughout the fall semester, Bears Lead will host a variety of academic workshops, social events, and community-building opportunities designed to help students build meaningful connections, develop academic skills, and successfully transition into life at Missouri State.
We can’t wait to meet our newest Bears Leaders and kick off another year of growth and success. Welcome to the Bear family!
Join the Access & 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 & 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 & 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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