They want to bring gender equality to the world. Improve the lives of children. Teach the next generation of leaders. Use food to help people live better lives.

These Missouri State University students have different dreams, but they share one thing in common: A dedication to serve others.

The university’s Board of Governors acknowledged six students with the Citizen Scholar award today (Dec. 12). The award honors students who exemplify academic success and the university’s public affairs mission.

The 2019-20 Citizen Scholars

The Citizen Scholar recipients are:

Cassidy Cunningham, graduate, Rogersville, Missouri

Cunningham is working on a Master of Business Administration (MBA). During her time at Missouri State, she founded the Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement, and is co-president of the MBA Association. She wants to find a career that enables her to make a difference in the Springfield community.

Seth Hadley, graduate, Birch Tree, Missouri

Hadley is working on a Master of Writing with an emphasis in rhetoric and composition. He graduated from Missouri State-West Plains with an associate’s degree in general studies, and a bachelor’s degree in literature from Missouri State. He teaches English courses, assists faculty with research and served as the speaker for the Missouri State University Literature Conference in 2017 and 2018. He wants to continue teaching and go to law school.

Rachel Prather, graduate, Springfield

Prather is working on a Master of Occupational Therapy. She assists occupational therapy faculty with research about interventions for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. She’s also been involved with several campus organizations including Alpha Chi Omega, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and Student Occupational Therapy Association. She wants to work with children and be a traveling occupational therapist.

Robbyn Rose, senior, Harrison, Arkansas

Rose is majoring in organizational communication and psychology with a certificate in conflict and dispute resolution. She will continue at Missouri State to pursue a Master of Communication. She was a program assistant for the efactory, a peer minister for her Catholic campus ministry and a student specialist for the Center for Community Engagement. She wants to work for a consulting firm in organizational design, leadership development and strategic planning.

Niyata (Mia) Sethi, graduate, Noida, India

Sethi is pursuing an accelerated Master of Religious Studies and has a second major in economics. She is an advocate and services coordinator for Residence Hall Association, a student leader for Chi Alpha and has memberships in Global Leaders and Mentors and University Ambassadors. She wants to enter a PhD program in public policy or work full-time with U.N. Women, a branch of the United Nations that works to bring gender equality to developing countries.

Stephanie Urich, junior, Morrisville, Missouri

Urich is majoring in psychology and dietetics. She’s an active volunteer in the Springfield community through her service at Field Elementary School and as a child advocate at Compassion International. She’s also served as a research assistant for the Missouri State psychology department. She wants to become a registered dietitian and help others find physical and mental health through food and food practices.