Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame 2024 inductees announced

The Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame 2024 inductees include a decades-long public servant, a former children’s TV show host, an advocate for agriculture and an entrepreneur and community builder.

These four inductees — Roy Blunt, Dr. Norma Champion, Chris Chinn and Annie Malone — were selected as citizens with a connection to the state of Missouri who serve as examples of global citizens. They define the essence of public affairs and have acted consistently for the benefit of others.

Up to six recipients are honored annually. This year’s induction class includes a legacy award, which will be presented to Malone.

“The 2024 honorees are truly deserving of this recognition,” said Missouri State University President Clif Smart. “Each one of them has demonstrated exemplary efforts in helping to improve our communities, state, nation and the world.”

Attend the induction ceremony

Blunt, Champion, Chinn and Malone will be inducted into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame Sept. 6.

The induction ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at The Old Glass Place in Springfield. Tickets for the black-tie optional dinner event are $50 and can be purchased online.

Table sponsorships are available. Contact Stephanie Smith, senior director of donor relations and special events at MSU: StephanieSmith@MissouriState.edu or 417-836-4143.

About the inductees

Roy Blunt

A former educator, university president and politician, Blunt has a long and distinguished career in public service. Besides teaching high school history from 1970-72 and leading Southwest Baptist University as president from 1993-96, he worked in county office to Capitol Hill for over four decades until his retirement from the U.S. Senate in 2023. Throughout his career, Blunt developed long-lasting, bipartisan partnerships that led to major legislative achievements in health care, infrastructure and national security. He is the current president of the State Historical Society of Missouri and chairman of Husch Blackwell Leadership Strategies Advisory Services.

Dr. Norma Champion

Champion has lived many lives during her 91 years: From professor to senator. But she is perhaps most well-known to longtime Ozarks residents as Aunt Norma on “The Children’s Hour,” which aired on KY3 for nearly 30 years. Later in life, Champion found other ways to serve the public and began her career in politics as a Springfield City councilwoman. She ran for a Republican seat in the Missouri House, where she served for 10 years and finally served as a Missouri State senator from 2003-10. Champion is retired and resides in Springfield with her husband.

Chris Chinn

Chinn, a fifth-generation Missouri farmer from Clarence, has led the Missouri Department of Agriculture as director since 2017. A passionate advocate for agriculture, Chinn leverages social media and public speaking to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. She created the MORE Strategic Initiative to advance the state’s No. 1 industry. Her leadership roles include chairing and serving on the boards of various national agriculture organizations. She also contributes her time and expertise to community and state groups, as well as helps manage her family’s diverse farming operations in Shelby County.

Annie Malone

Malone, born Aug. 9, 1869, in Metropolis, Illinois, was an entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist. She left high school to focus on hairdressing and at 20, created a shampoo and scalp treatment. By 1902, she developed a non-damaging hair straightener for African American women. She moved her business to St. Louis, expanding her product line and company under the name “Poro.” Despite racial barriers, she succeeded — mentoring Madam C.J. Walker and supporting Black women’s education. Relocating to Chicago in 1930, Malone left a legacy with Poro beauty colleges in 30 cities. She died on May 10, 1957.