Citizen representative

Alumnus Tyree Davis IV, ’17, reflects on his time at Missouri State and how he got a position on the Board of Governors.

“College was overwhelming at first. But MSU does such a good job of getting freshmen to events, or telling them about different organizations, that it was easy for me to get involved.”

Just a short time later, he has a résumé that includes many student groups. He earned a double major and is taking classes for a master’s degree.

“I HAVE MENTORS AND FRIENDS THAT ARE ADMINISTRATORS AND PROFESSORS. THEY’RE ALL HERE FOR ME IF I NEED ANYTHING. THAT’S NOT JUST BECAUSE I AM A STUDENT GOVERNOR. I THINK IT’S LIKE THAT FOR ANY STUDENT.”

Landing a major leadership role

But he calls something else his greatest accomplishment: In his last year as an undergraduate, he served as the only student member of the board that governs Missouri State University. He had to be approved both by Missouri’s governor and legislators for the position.

Davis represented the student point of view to the professionals on the board. “It’s like seeing Missouri State behind-the-scenes. I get to witness what we’re doing to continually better students’ experiences. … It’s an eye-opening experience seeing how much MSU has grown. And they take my opinions very seriously.”

Tyree Davis IV at a Board of Governors meeting in Glass Hall.

Earning a master’s, giving back

His passion for leadership took him to New York City in 2016, when he was chosen for a highly selective summer internship at Columbia University. Next up, he’d like to give back by teaching with a group like City Year or Teach for America. His ultimate goal is to be a CEO or work in public service. But first, he wants to finish a master’s degree on a campus he loves.

“My favorite thing is everything, from the students, to the professors, to the squirrels who are in your way. You can never walk from one side of the campus to the other without seeing a friendly face. I just love the little community we have.”