Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced two new members to the Missouri State University Board of Governors: Travis Freeman of Chesterfield and Dr. Melissa Gourley of Mountain Grove.

The duo will join their first board meeting – a Zoom special meeting – on Sept. 20.

“I thank the governor for these two excellent appointments,” Missouri State President Clif Smart said. “I’m confident their addition to the board will generate fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of direction that will help the university continue to thrive and provide exceptional education for our students.”

Alumnus has two decades of experience in financial services

Freeman is a certified financial planner and partner with Moneta in St. Louis.

Prior to joining the Board of Governors, he served as a trustee on the Missouri State Foundation and established the Travis & Marina Freeman Family Endowed Scholarship for first-generation students at MSU.

He is the past president of the Financial Planning Association of St. Louis, and a current board member with College Bound, The Fulton School and the Moneta Charitable Foundation.

Freeman holds a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics from Missouri State.

Alumna is an experienced veterinarian

Gourley is a veterinarian at Whetstone Veterinary Service in Mountain Grove. She previously owned Whetstone Veterinary Service.

She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association. She has served as a member of the Missouri State University’s West Plains Development Board and the Federal Appropriations Committee for Mountain Grove High School.

Gourley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Missouri State and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri – Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine.

New members replace Counts and Silvey

Freeman replaces Amy Counts as the 2nd District representative, while Gourley replaces Carol Silvey as the 8th District representative. Their terms will be Sept. 1, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2029.

“Amy’s and Carol’s commitment and strategic vision steered the university forward in a positive way,” Smart said. “I’m grateful to both of them for sharing their time, insights and expertise over the past few years.”