Alexis McCaslin grew up not far from Springfield in Aurora, Missouri, where she enjoyed familiarity with her neighbors and tight-knit community. She recommends that anyone looking to experience a “Hallmark holiday experience” visit Aurora during Christmas time to enjoy a downtown stroll with hot coffee.  

Why Missouri State?

Alexis was able to keep the feeling of community and connectedness at Missouri State University. Even as an online student, Alexis found ways to get involved. She is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma- Sigma Mu Sigma, MSU’s honor society for Criminology majors. 

Being able to customize her schedule was an important aspect in choosing where to pursue her degree. As a wife and mother, Alexis needed flexibility. She was able to meet this need while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a psychology minor. Alexis takes advantage of both online and in-person classes, so she can take classes on her own schedule. When asked why she studies criminology, she answered, “I have always had a huge heart for people and the desire to understand what lies underneath human suffering and crime.” 

Alexis draws inspiration from her mother. Her mother had only completed the 8th grade but was still very accomplished. She spent 20 years serving in the military, obtaining her bachelor’s degree, and starting her own business as a blueberry farmer- all while raising four children. Alexis calls her mother a shining example of endurance, faith, and strength. These three attributes are important to Alexis, as she also spends time doing devotionals to develop her own faith.  

Highlights

The 3 Public Affairs Pillars have also been highly influential for Alexis.  

“Ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. These are not just fluffy words but a real lining around everything that you do and learn here. I know I will go into my future job knowing how to lead a group, treat the people around me and be involved.” 

When reflecting on some of her favorite courses, Alexis noted two specifically: LLT 121, Classical Mythology, and CFD 562, Prevention of Childhood Abuse and Neglect. Classical Mythology had interesting content, and her instructor had high expectations. She was able to rise to the challenge and allowed it to set the tone for her freshman year. While LLT 121 was fun and engaging, she found that Prevention of Childhood and Abuse was the most impactful class she has taken. She feels this class changed the course of her career. This feeling came after reading Damaged: The Heartbreaking True Story of a Forgotten Child by Cathy Glass. 

Alexis spends a lot of time with her family and finds great joy in doing so. She hopes to use her degree to aid families in the foster care system with reunification. “The idea would be to also bolster the support for foster families to create a healthier, more sustainable quality of life for all the parties involved.”  

She also wanted to give special thanks to faculty that made a positive impact during her time at MSU. “I want to give a shout out to both Katie Stinnett and Aida Hass for being professors that really give their time to be personal and dedicated to their students. I did not feel like just another face in a room – but a pupil worth teaching. Those are the educators that make the greatest difference!” 

Parting Advice 

When asked what advice she would share with other adult learners, Alexis said, 

“Even if you must take one or two classes at a time, don’t be afraid to jump into this. There are so many people who are going to help you navigate getting your degree and so much more!” 

After graduating, Alexis plans to take the summer to celebrate her accomplishment while enjoying time with her husband and children. Afterwards, she plans on securing employment and embarking on the journey to earn her master’s degree.