Missouri State University will be awarding 2,625 degrees later this week, during our Spring Commencement ceremony. The Academic Advising and Transfer Center would like to recognize eight transfer students who will be graduating on Friday. These eight students were previously featured as student spotlights during National Transfer Student Week celebrations. We invite you to learn more about each of these students and their journey from Missouri State transfer student to Missouri State graduate.
Maddy Fisher
Maddy Fisher will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dance and an Individualized Major of Digital Media and Publicity. Maddy transferred to Missouri State in Fall 2022 from the University of Northern Iowa. Maddy’s advice to transfer students would be to, “Get involved! Everyone says this, but getting involved on campus is the best thing you can do. You don’t have to join every organization, but even studying in the library or taking workout classes at Foster Rec can make campus more enjoyable.”
Maddy Fisher’s Transfer Student Spotlight
Devynn LeJeune
Devynn LeJeune will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Devynn transferred to Missouri State in Fall 2023 from St. Louis Community College. Devynn’s advise to transfer students would be to put yourself out there. Devynn says, “I stepped out of my comfort zone to join student organizations and introduce myself to others. It can be intimidating, but doing those things has allowed me to meet people and take part in opportunities that have allowed me to have an enjoyable first few weeks.”
Devynn LeJeune’s Transfer Student Spotlight
Mal Grant
Mal Grant will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Leadership with a minor in Advertising and Promotion. Mal transferred to Missouri State in Fall 2024 from Ozarks Tech. Mal’s advise to transfer students would be to know that “you are going to be okay. Transferring schools is scary no matter where you are transferring from. I was someone who was very anxious and nervous about transferring. I remember being so scared that I was going to look like an outcast and what people were going to think or say about me. I think transferring is one of those things where it sounds scary, and it might feel scary at first, but you end up feeling fine and liking it!”
Mal Grant’s Transfer Student Spotlight
Olivia Marchizza
Olivia Marchizza will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an undergraduate certificate in Foundations of Nutrition. Olivia transferred to Missouri State in Fall 2024 from Lincoln Land Community College. Olivia’s advise to transfer students would be to, “pay close attention to how your credits transfer and apply to your major to ensure you get the most out of the education you’ve already earned.”
Olivia Marchizza’s Transfer Student Spotlight
Faith Collins
Faith Collins will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing with a minor in Ozarks Studies and undergraduate certificates in Workplace Writing, Advocacy Writing, and Science Writing. Faith transferred to Missouri State in Fall 2024 from Missouri State University – West Plains. Faith’s advise to transfer students would be, “When you transfer, you start from scratch again. And that can be hard. It really takes a year to get a feel for how any university works and what’s available. Because a transfer student has less time at a university, you really need to be more proactive about finding community and finding out about pertinent services. I would recommend talking to someone, like your advisor, and finding ways to get involved early on.”
Faith Collins’s Transfer Student Spotlight
Mackenzie Cowap
Mackenzie Cowap will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Mackenzie transferred to Missouri State in Fall 2024 from Saint Charles Community College. Mackenzie’s advise to transfer students would be to, “Keep pushing. Stay motivated and keep going!”
Mackenzie Cowap’s Transfer Student Spotlight
Ashley Nass
Ashley Nass will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Special Education. Ashley transferred to Missouri State in Spring 2024 from Ozarks Tech. Ashley’s advise to transfer students would be “it may seem intimidating – even a little daunting – but it will be the best decision and worth the work!”
Ashley Nass’s Transfer Student Spotlight
Courtney Stirewalt
Courtney Stirewalt will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology and undergraduate certificates in Criminal Investigation, Criminal Courts, and Forensic Child Psychology. Courtney transferred to Missouri State in Spring 2024 from Ozarks Tech. Courtney’s advise to transfer students would be to, “Get organized! Getting organized is my number one priority academically. Also, find a program that you can get nerdy about. Being nerdy and interested in the topics you’re studying will help – if I didn’t absolutely love the topics I’m studying, I wouldn’t be able to take on the readings and academic rigor of the program I’m in.”
