March brought a wide range of opportunities for Bears Lead students at Missouri State University to learn, lead, and stay connected. Through workshops, service experiences, and campus involvement, students continued to grow both personally and professionally. Here’s a look back at the month’s highlights.
Programming
First-Year Monthly Meeting
Our first-year students gathered on March 24th for an engaging session on imposter syndrome, led by Dr. Leonard Horton III. Students explored strategies to build confidence, navigate self-doubt, and embrace their place in academic and professional spaces.
Second-Year Monthly Meetings
Second-year Bears Lead students participated in two key sessions this month:
- March 3rd: Preventing Burnout with the Counseling Center focused on wellness, balance, and mental health strategies.
- March 31st: What’s Next? Post-Bears Lead helped prepare students graduating out of Bears Lead for their next steps while highlighting leadership opportunities and campus involvement beyond the program. Students had the opportunity to connect with a variety of campus organizations and resources, including Leaders in Community Service, SGA, MSU’s Graduate College, & more. This event encouraged students to explore continued involvement and leadership pathways.
Line Dancing Class 
Led by ambassadors Lauren Jones and Erin Seals, this high-energy event brought students together for a fun and active evening of line dancing.
KC Scholars Midterm Donut Drop-In
KC Scholars College Scholar Advocate Kirsten Caudle hosted a supportive midterm check-in, providing donuts and encouragement as students navigated exams.
Workout Classes
In partnership with the Exercise Science Society, weekly workout classes kicked off to promote physical wellness. These sessions are held every Monday in McDonald Arena.
Spring Break Service Trip 
Five Bears Lead students traveled to Nashville for a Bear Break service trip in partnership with the Center for Community Engagement. The trip focused on addressing food insecurity, offering students a meaningful opportunity to serve and learn beyond the classroom.
MSU Birthday Celebration
We celebrated Missouri State’s 121st birthday at the university birthday party – complete with games & sweet treats!
Intramural Soccer
The Bears Lead rec team kicked off their intramural soccer season with their first two games of the season!
Study Session: Midterm Check-In
Ambassadors hosted a study session to help students reflect on their academic progress and set goals for the remainder of the semester.
Lunch & Learn with the Student Resource Center
Dr. Erin Wehrman led a thought-provoking discussion on grief, identity, and loss, sharing insights from her research and engaging students in meaningful conversation.
Student Spotlight
Lily Yocam & I’ron Bell
Bears Leaders and Access & Success student office workers Lily Yocam and I’ron Bell performed at the spring convocation, sharing their talents in front of the campus community. Their performances were a great example of how students in our program stay involved across different areas of campus life, including the arts. It was a meaningful opportunity to represent Access & Success and contribute to a well-attended university event.
Walter Reyes & Jada Smith 
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Bears Lead students who are making a lasting impact through leadership at the highest level of student government.
- Walter Reyes (former Bears Leader) was elected Student Body President
- Jada Smith (current Bears Leader) was elected Student Body Vice President
Their elections represent not only personal achievements, but also a reflection of the leadership development, commitment, and vision fostered within the Bears Lead program. Both Walter and Jada have demonstrated a strong dedication to advocating for their peers, uplifting student voices, and creating meaningful change on campus.
As they step into these influential roles, they carry forward the values of Access & Success. Their success serves as a powerful example of what is possible for Bears Lead students and reinforces the program’s impact across Missouri State University.
Access Programs
Director of Access & Success Programs Dr. Ryan Reed will attend Wyman’s 2026 Amplify Gala on April 18th, joining community leaders and supporters for an evening of connection and celebration. This year’s event will feature Bears Lead alum Orlondo Williams as the keynote speaker, where he will also be honored with the Distinguished Wyman Alumni Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements and impact.
Giving Day Gratitude
Thank you to everyone who supported Access & Success Programs during Giving Day! Your generosity helps create opportunities for students to participate in transformative experiences – like our spring break service trip to Nashville – and continues to expand access to impactful learning beyond the classroom.
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!
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