It’s once again time for the Public Affairs Conference on campus! Our public affairs mission sets Missouri State University a part from other institutions and continues to be a beacon for students, staff, and faculty. The three pillars of public affairs are woven throughout the educational experience at Missouri State to support ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement. This year’s theme Resilient People, Resilient Future discusses the impact of resilience on communities and individuals alike. Discussions also held regarding how resilience influences arts, agriculuture, business, education, environment, and within social, health, and behavioral sciences. Resilience is not necessarily inhereit, but can be taught and strengthened.

With 20 virtual sessions and 4 in-person plenary speakers, there is something for everyone. The Conference events are free and open to public, no registration necessary!

Live Virtual Sessions

The live virtual sessions are presented via Zoom, with the Zoom links for each session posted on the conference schedule. Closed captioning is provided for all 20 virutal events. With so many sessions, it’s unlikely that you can attend all the ones you wish to see. Fret not! These panel sessions will be recorded for viewing up to three weeks after the conference for Missouri State University students and employees. Recordings will be made available within 1-2 days after the conference on the schedule webpage.

In-Person Events

There are four events that are only available in-person, and they will not be recorded or broadcasted virtually. As with all other Conference events, no registration or tickets are required, and seating is on a first-come basis.

Parking

For campus visitors and community members, free on-campus parking will be available in Bear Park North parking garage for these in-person events. NO permit will be required in Bear Park North during these events. For more information and directions, contact 417-836-4825 or Parking@MissouriState.edu.

See the Conference Schedule

Disability Accommodations

“Missouri State University provides reasonable accommodation with adequate notice. Please contact Disability Resource Center, Meyer Library, Suite 111 , Springfield, MO 65897 or 417-836-4192 or 417-836-6792 (TTY), MissouriState.edu/Disability at least three business days prior to the program date in order for adequate arrangements to be made.

On the West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses, students should contact the Advisement and Academic Coaching Center for Empowering Student Success (AACCESS), 128 Garfield, 417-255-7222, WPAACCESS@MissouriState.edu.” (Per Conference Information)

Keynote Speaker

This year’s conference keynote speaker is David Feherty. Feherty is a former pro-golfer and now a broadcaster, author, and humorist. The keynote presentation (Tuesday, September 16th, 7:00p-8:00p) is free and open to the public. “A New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Troops First Foundation, he’s also been open about his struggles with depression and addiction—using humor as a path to healing and resilience. With heart, humor, and hard-earned perspective, David brings a unique voice to Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Conference.” (A Pathway to Healing and Resilience)

For those interested, there is a special VIP experience with David hosted by the MSU Foundation. The VIP experience includes:

• A photo opportunity with David
• An autographed copy of Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf’s David Feherty.
  Cocktails, beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
  Special reserved seating at the keynote

Tickets are available for purchase online: get tickets.

Additional Thoughts

We encourage students, faculty, staff, and community members to attend these Public Affairs events, meeting with others and engage in meaningful discussion.

Public Affairs at Missouri State University

Public Affairs Conference 2025

Conference Information

See Speakers and Panelists