Have you ever wondered who keeps the Plaster Student Union (PSU) running? Well, meet Karen Foster! Karen is the Administrative Assistant IV of the Plaster Student Union. Karen has been working for Missouri State for the past 19 years, and her duties include assisting Terry Weber, Director of the PSU, facilitating student organization’s budgets ranging from Student Activities Council to Fraternity and Sorority Life, making sure things are running properly in the PSU, working with Commencement and so much more. During her time at Missouri State she has served as an advisor for Delta Sig Fraternity.

While she has been extremely involved hands-on with students and pushing the success of the Student Union, she also made Missouri State her home. During our interview I asked her “Why did you decide to stay at Missouri State for so long?” She explained that the atmosphere at the university is wonderful and in her office is filled with encouragement and laughter. “There is never a dull moment.”

In addition, she described the relationships she’s built with students and how her work has allowed her to see students grow. Outside of work, you can find Karen crocheting, reading, and, enjoying her seven grandchildren. While her family keeps her busy, she never forgets about her pets at home including her three dogs, birds, and cats.

One of Karen’s fun fact is she is childhood friends with “Race Against Time” author Jerry Mitchell?

Karen has one of the biggest hearts on campus and has a passion to see Missouri State and its students be successful. So when you have a minute, swing by the PSU 401 to say hello to Karen. She is a wealth of information! P.S. Ask to see her beautiful crochet work!

~Trenell

(Trenell Morgan, the 2019-20 Family Assistant and a 2019 SOAR Leader, is a senior involved with Student Activities Council (After Hours Chair), University Ambassadors, and Xi Omicron Iota.)