RYANA PARKS-SHAW HAS MANY "FIRSTS" TO HER NAME At Missouri State, she was the chartering president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which is the nation’s first intercollegiate historically African-American sorority. In 2000, as part of her career in health administration, she was named the then-youngest vice president for Truman Medical Center in Kansas City. Most … [Read more...] about MADAM MAYOR
CHATTER FROM THE AUDIENCE TURNS TO MURMURS AND THEN STOPS AS THE THEATRE GOES DARK The big screen glows with opening scenes — a montage of gunfire, high-speed car chases, American flags rustling in the wind. Then a black screen reads: A Sean McEwen Film. McEwen recently visited campus for a screening of his latest movie project, “American Outlaws.” Based on true events, … [Read more...] about THEATRE ALUM FINDING HIS VOICE AS A FILMMAKER
Will you play basketball for Missouri State University? That question changed the trajectory of Jerry Hall’s life. “Coach Eddie Matthews came calling, offering me a scholarship,” said Hall, who is from West Plains, Missouri. Hall had planned to play professional baseball instead of attending college, but the coach’s offer was too intriguing to ignore. He joined the … [Read more...] about Basketball star has remained a champion of MSU athletics
Dennis Scott left a mark at Missouri State University: He was on two championship football teams, in 1963 and 1966, with records that still stand. But to his Bear friends, he’s best known for a dedication to public service. He’s a veteran of the United States Air Force and a retired commercial pilot who has explored the world. He’s also a member of the Missouri State … [Read more...] about From touchdowns to takeoffs: Alumnus built a legacy in football, then in flying
In the blazing July heat of Lock and Dam 1, former Missouri State University Football Bears Neil Strader and Jonah White embarked on an extraordinary adventure. The idea of traversing the length of the Mississippi River took shape when White approached Strader with a unique proposition. The inspiration was rooted in the works of Mark Twain and the tales of river adventures … [Read more...] about Football alumni navigate the currents of the Mississippi River