April was a month of celebration, reflection, and forward momentum for Access & Success Programs at Missouri State University. As the academic year came to a close, our students, ambassadors, and partners showed up in powerful ways, finishing strong while laying the groundwork for what’s ahead. 

Programming 

Bears Lead Graduation

Our Bears Lead Graduation marked a major milestone as we recognized our second-year students for successfully completing the program. This accomplishment reflects their commitment to personal growth, leadership, and academic success. To close out the experience, students created vision boards – an opportunity to reflect on their journeys, celebrate how far they’ve come, and set meaningful goals for their futures. 

Ambassador Training & Executive Board Elections

April was also a time of transition and preparation. We hosted an ambassador training session for our incoming cohort, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles. In addition, we held elections for our first-ever Bears Lead Ambassadors executive board, selecting student leaders who will guide the program in the upcoming academic year. 

• President: Sterhlyng Adkins-Dutro 
• Vice President: Katelynn Von Deck 
• Treasurer: Kendalyn Johnson 
• Secretary: Hailey Primeau 
• Director of Marketing: Angie Sabillon 
• Director of Retention, Involvement, & Belonging: Erin Seals 

End-of-Year Banquet

One of the biggest highlights of April was our End-of-Year Banquet, where we celebrated the accomplishments of our ambassadors with campus partners and community supporters. Ambassadors were recognized with fun and meaningful superlatives that captured their unique contributions. We also proudly introduced our incoming ambassadors and newly elected executive board, closing the year with gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead. 

STAR Awards

Bears Lead Ambassadors was honored to attend the Student Talent and Recognition (STAR) Awards Ceremony, where we had several nominations recognizing both individual students and the organization as a whole. This recognition reflects the hard work, leadership, and impact of our students across campus. 

Workout Classes with Exercise Science Society

We continued our partnership with the Exercise Science Society by hosting weekly workout classes every Monday throughout April. These sessions created a consistent space for students to prioritize physical wellness while building community. As the semester came to an end, we wrapped up this successful initiative and celebrated the engagement it brought to our students. 

Intramural Soccer Season Wrap-Up

Our intramural soccer season came to a conclusion this month. The season provided students with an outlet for teamwork, friendly competition, and stress relief during a busy time of year. It was great to see students build connections and stay active outside of the classroom. 

Lunch & Learn with the Student Resource Center

We hosted another valuable Lunch & Learn in collaboration with the Student Resource Center featuring Dr. Alan Tinkler, Head of the English Department. He spoke about the Springfield Way Internship Program and shared insights on how students can get involved in the local community. His message emphasized the importance of experiential learning and civic engagement as part of the college experience. 

Finals Study Sessions 

To support academic success during finals, our ambassadors hosted two study sessions in the library. These sessions provided a welcoming and focused environment, complete with snacks, where students could prepare for exams and finish the semester strong. 

End-of-Year Celebration at Enterprise Lanes

We wrapped up the semester with a fun and well-deserved celebration at Enterprise Lanes. This event gave students a chance to relax, connect, and celebrate their accomplishments after a busy and successful academic year. 

Student Spotlight

We are proud to highlight several students who made remarkable achievements this month, demonstrating leadership, excellence, and a commitment to their communities: 

Jacob Burnes 

Jacob recently joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., an organization known for its strong emphasis on leadership, scholarship, and service. His involvement reflects his dedication to personal growth and community impact, and we are excited to see how he continues to lead both on campus and beyond. 

Alana Wilson and Symphony Darville 

Alana & Symphony represented with excellence in the Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant. Alana earned the title of Second Runner-Up, showcasing her confidence, poise, and commitment to excellence. Symphony was awarded Miss Congeniality, a reflection of her kindness, positivity, and ability to uplift those around her. Both students exemplified leadership and grace throughout the experience. 

Erin Seals 

Erin was a member of the inaugural cohort of the Leadership Institute through the Student Resource Center, a program designed to cultivate and strengthen student leadership skills. In recognition of her growth and impact throughout the program, Erin was chosen as the student speaker for the closing ceremony – an honor that reflects her voice, leadership, and ability to inspire others. 

Jada Smith 

Jada was recognized as Sophomore of the Year at the STAR Awards – an incredible honor that highlights her academic achievements, campus involvement, and leadership. In addition to this recognition, Jada was also sworn in as Student Body Vice President, further demonstrating her commitment to serving and advocating for her peers. 

Walter Reyes 

Walter was sworn in as Student Body President, marking a significant leadership achievement. His dedication to student advocacy, leadership, and service has made a lasting impact, and we look forward to the ways he will continue to represent and support the student body in this role. Together, Walter and Jada will serve as a strong leadership team for the upcoming year. 

Access Programs 

We were honored to welcome Allison Williams, CEO of Wyman, for a special visit. Her leadership and dedication to youth development continue to inspire our work and reinforce the importance of supporting students through meaningful programming. 

Additionally, Bears Lead alum Orlondo Williams served as the keynote speaker at Wyman’s 2026 Amplify Gala. His story and message were powerful reminders of the impact of mentorship and opportunity. He was also honored with the Distinguished Wyman Alumni Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements and continued impact. 

To watch his keynote address, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftlLEi1c3VY.  

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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As the semester comes to a close, Access and Success Programs is excited to share a recap of our April and May. From end-of-year celebrations and student recognition to hands-on learning experiences and community events, these final weeks have been full of meaningful moments. Join us as we highlight the connections, accomplishments, and memories that helped us finish the year strong. 

April & May Programming Highlights 

KC Scholars Field Day 

On April 9th, Bears Lead co-hosted a KC Scholars Field Day with Lizzet Ibarra, Scholar Advocate for KC Scholars, to bring together current MSU KC Scholars for an afternoon of fun and connection in the Foster Recreation Center. With support from Lauren Easter, Associate Director of Campus Recreation, the event featured a variety of yard games and activities, including a lively game of giant volleyball. It was a great opportunity for scholars to unwind, connect with peers, and build community outside the classroom. 

Bears Lead Graduation Celebration

Bears Lead recently hosted a Graduation Celebration to recognize our second-year students for completing the program and all they’ve achieved during their two years at MSU so far. It was a chance to reflect on their growth, leadership, and contributions to the campus community, while also celebrating the relationships and experiences built along the way. As part of the event, students created vision boards to set goals and intentions for the upcoming school year, taking time to think about what’s next and how they want to continue growing. It was a meaningful way to close one chapter and look ahead to the next with purpose and excitement. 

Ambassador Banquet 

Bears Lead held an Ambassador Banquet on April 21st to celebrate and recognize the hard work and dedication of our ambassadors. These students have played a vital role in supporting the program and their peers throughout the year, and the evening was a chance to honor their impact. Ambassador awards were presented to highlight individual contributions, and we also introduced the incoming and returning ambassadors who will carry the program forward next year. A special moment of the evening was the induction of Molly Grellner as the new Bears Lead President, as we also said a heartfelt goodbye to our current president and graduate assistant, Alondra Longoria, whose leadership and commitment have shaped the program in meaningful ways. The banquet was not only a celebration within the Bears Lead community but also a gathering that brought together members of the campus and community. It was a memorable night dedicated to recognizing our ambassadors’ achievements, celebrating leadership transitions, and expressing gratitude to our invaluable campus and community partners.

Cooking Talks

Bears Lead recently partnered with MSU’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program to host a “Cooking Talks” event, where students learned how to prepare simple, nutritious meals using affordable ingredients – many of which can be found at MSU’s Bear Pantry. With guidance from nutrition students, participants worked together to make a menu that was both budget-friendly and flavorful, including protein balls, buffalo chicken dip, tomato soup, and black bean quesadillas. The event aimed to equip students with practical cooking skills while also highlighting accessible food resources on campus. It was a hands-on, collaborative experience that brought students together around food, learning, and community. 

Cereal & Study 

As finals approached, Bears Lead hosted its second Cereal & Study event of the year, offering students a space to prepare for exams with both focus and support. Held in the library, the event gave students a chance to study alongside peers and connect with ambassadors in a low-pressure environment. A variety of cereals were available to keep energy up, but the main goal was to provide a calm, collaborative space during a demanding time of the semester. After a strong turnout at midterms, it was great to see the event continue to be a helpful resource for students heading into finals. 

End-of-Year Celebration 

Our end-of-year celebration for Bears Lead didn’t go exactly as planned – rain forced us to cancel our trip to Silver Dollar City. But we made the most of it by heading downtown to College Station to catch Thunderbolts* instead. It turned out to be a solid backup plan; the movie was fun, and it was a good chance for everyone to relax and spend time together before wrapping up the year. 

STAR Awards 

At the recent STAR (Student Talent and Recognition) Awards, Bears Lead was honored to receive the Outstanding New Organization Award. This recognition highlights the impact and growth of our program in a short amount of time, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, ambassadors, and partners. The award reflects our commitment to fostering leadership, community, and support among our students, and it serves as a reminder of the great things we’ve accomplished together. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum and look forward to even more growth and success in the years to come! 

Student Spotlights 

Congratulations to Sophia Samala, a recipient of the PFLAG Springfield/SWMO Scholarship, awarded to LGBTQ+ students in Southwest Missouri who are pursuing higher education and demonstrating a commitment to community service. PFLAG Springfield/SWMO distributes $7,500 annually across three scholarships, thanks to the support of generous donors and partners. Sophia was honored at a recent ceremony celebrating local LGBTQ+ scholars and leaders. We’re proud to recognize Sophia’s achievements and her dedication to making a difference. Well done, Sophia! 

Talon Mitchell, Bears Lead Ambassador and graduate of the program, recently attended the Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM in Atlanta, Georgia. Out of over 800 students, Talon was one of 300 selected to receive a Travel Award to present his research. His project, titled “Exploring the Impact of Histone Deacetylases (HDAC) Inhibitors on UV-Induced DNA Damage Repair in Tetrahymena thermophila,” earned him 2nd place in the Undergraduate Oral Presentation in Biological Sciences. Reflecting on the experience, Talon shared, “This experience reminded me how powerful community and opportunity are in the world of STEM.” We’re proud to celebrate Talon’s achievement and can’t wait to see what he does next! 

Finally, we’re celebrating Alondra Longoria, who has been an invaluable member of Bears Lead as the Access and Success Graduate Assistant for the past two years. Alondra is set to graduate on May 9th with a Master of Social Work degree, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her studies. Her contributions to Bears Lead have been immeasurable – whether running our social media accounts, organizing events, or supporting students, Alondra has played a key role in shaping the program’s success. We’re so proud of everything she’s accomplished and know that she will go on to do amazing things. She will be deeply missed by all of us, but we can’t wait to see where her future takes her. Congratulations, Alondra!  

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.    

• Instagram  
• Facebook  
• TikTok  
• LinkedIn 

March was a month of growth, connection, and new beginnings for Access and Success Programs. From supporting students through midterms to focusing on wellness and welcoming our newest Bears Lead ambassadors, this month was all about support and success. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to! 

March Programming Highlights 

Cereal & Study: Fueling Success During Midterms

Midterms can be a stressful time, but Bears Lead helped students tackle their exams with a little extra support—and a lot of cereal! At our Cereal & Study event, students and ambassadors gathered in the library to study, collaborate, and prepare for their exams while enjoying a variety of cereals. This event provided not only a productive space for focused studying but also a chance to connect with fellow students and share encouragement during a challenging academic period. 

First-Year Monthly Meeting: Focus Groups  

For our first-year monthly meeting, students had the opportunity to share their thoughts and feedback through focus groups. Participants offered insights into their experiences as MSU students and members of Bears Lead, highlighting what’s working well and where improvements could be made. These discussions are vital for shaping the future of the program and ensuring it continues to meet the needs of our students. The feedback gathered will help enhance the overall experience for everyone involved in Bears Lead moving forward! 

Second-Year Monthly Meeting: Wellness 

For our second-year monthly meeting, we shifted our focus from academics to personal well-being. This session was all about wellness—students completed a wellness wheel activity to assess different aspects of their lives, from mental and physical health to social and emotional well-being. Additionally, students had the chance to create their own affirmation journals, filled with positive messages and reminders to help them stay motivated and balanced throughout the semester. Prioritizing wellness is key to success, and this meeting was a great reminder to take time for self-care. 

MSU’s 120th Birthday Party

Bears Lead joined in the festivities for Missouri State University’s 120th birthday celebration on March 26th. The event featured a variety of activities, including remarks from President Williams, a performance by Bearmania, birthday cake and ice cream, face painting, balloon animals, yard games, a 360 Camera, and music from DJ Platinum. At the Bears Lead table, attendees had the chance to compete in “Beat Bears Lead,” challenging ambassadors and staff for prizes. It was a fun-filled celebration of community and school spirit! 

Welcoming Our 2025-2026 Ambassadors! 

One of the most exciting updates this month is that we’ve officially hired our new Bears Lead Ambassadors for the 2025-2026 school year! We’re thrilled to welcome this new group of student leaders who will play a vital role in supporting their peers, organizing events, and fostering community. Congratulations to our new ambassadors—we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make! 

Spotlighting Our Ambassadors 

Meet the Bears Lead Ambassadors! Here’s what they love most about being part of this community.  

First Year Team:  

• Ashley Jones – First Year, Psychology: I enjoy the inclusivity Bears Lead brings. 
• Courtney Catching – First Year, Nursing: I love the community that Bears Lead gives me! 
• Erin Seals – First Year, Elementary Education: I love the community I’ve found. 
• Katelynn Von Deck – First Year, Electrical Engineering: I love how supportive and willing to help the entire community is when it comes to school or life advice. 
• Kendalyn Johnson – First Year, Accounting: I love getting involved in activities and events and learning different things at the monthly meetings. 
• Maggie Murphy – First Year, Psychology: I love how friendly all the staff are. They’re always willing to help with compassion and kindness. 
• Monique Fiagan – First Year, Biology: I love the inclusivity and engaging meetings. 
• Ryanna Hatfield – First Year, Management and Leadership: I love Bears Lead because of all the connections and friends I have made! 
• Sterhlyng Adkins-Dutro – First Year, Management and Leadership: I love the opportunity to be a leader! 
• Thomas Sang – First Year, Finance: I love the inclusion and the chance to meet new people. 

Second Year Team:  

• Angelina Sabillon – Second Year, Digital Film and Television Production: I love how caring the success coaches are! 
• Daniel Paige – Second Year, Secondary English Education: My favorite part about Bears Lead is having my support coach and being able to turn to her with anything I need. 
• Erin Ashford – Second Year, History Education: I love how much it helps new students during their transition to Missouri State while also helping current students learn valuable tools to help them throughout life! 
• Hailey Primeau – Second Year, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology: I love how welcoming the Bears Lead community is and all the wonderful events that they put together each year. 
• Jalyssa Keyton – Second Year, BMS: Cell and Molecular Biology: I love that Bears Lead gives me the opportunity to meet new people and work towards my academic goals. 
• Jasmine Woerner – Second Year, Marketing Management: The opportunity for learning and growth! 
• Katie Roth – Third Year, Accounting: Bears Lead has helped me grow so much throughout my college experience. Not only have they helped me learn how to be a good student, but also how to gain life skills for the future. It has also given me a sense of community because I have people who can help guide me when I’m struggling. 
• LeAnn Skidmore – Second Year, Creative Writing: I love how Bears Lead is a judgment-free space for first and second years to learn about and take advantage of the opportunities around them. 
• Mansa Aryal – Third Year, Computer Science: I love how Bears Lead helps students adjust to Missouri State University by providing mentorship and a sense of community. 
• Miranda Mendoza – Second Year, Criminology: The support and kindness I get from the whole team! 
• Taigen Mitchell – Third Year, Social Work: I love the many opportunities and resources that Bears Lead provides, along with its nurturing and welcoming atmosphere for students.

Giving Day 

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to Bears Lead on Giving Day! Your generosity helps us continue our mission, and we are truly grateful for your support. A special shoutout to Alondra Longoria, our incredible graduate assistant, for her hard work in organizing this campaign and making it a success. We are currently finalizing the numbers and look forward to sharing the total amount raised in our next blog post – stay tuned!  

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.    

We’re Social!  

For more frequent updates, success stories, and opportunities to get involved, stay connected with Bears Lead on social media.    

• Instagram  
• Facebook  
• TikTok  
• LinkedIn