Take a moment to get to know Livvie Riddle, the 2025-2026 Family Assistant for the SOAR  and Family Programs.

Tell us about yourself.  Hi! My name is Livvie Riddle, and I am the Family Assistant for SOAR and Family Programs! I am a sophomore here at Missouri State studying Nursing. I have two older sisters and one identical twin sister who also goes to Missouri State. I was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri. I enjoy playing pickleball, petting as many dogs as I can find, and trying new coffee shops around Springfield!

What are you involved in on campus? Here at Missouri State, I am involved in Her Campus, Student Nursing Organization, and University Ambassadors.  

Why do you think it’s important to be involved in college?  Being involved in college is important because it allows you to grow as a person and as a student. It allows you to gain amazing friendships, connections, and build your leadership skills to succeed as an individual and a scholar!

It also enhances your resume and networking opportunities as a student. Getting involved can allow you to have a fulfilling and exciting college experience!  

You were a SOAR leader this past summer and now you are the Family Assistant for New Student Orientation and Family Programs. What did you enjoy about being a SOAR leader? What lessons did you learn? Why did you want to be the Family Assistant?   Being a SOAR leader this past summer is one of my favorite things I have done in college yet. Being a SOAR leader allowed me to build connections and make the college transition for students and families more comfortable. It was so fulfilling to be a part of something that is so important for our campus.

By the end of the SOAR summer, I not only grew professionally, but personally. I gained a deep understanding of what it means to help people and have fun while doing it! I gained confidence and felt like I had found a sense of community here on campus.  

I wanted to be the Family Assistant because during SOAR, I absolutely loved connecting with my student’s family members. I gained a lot of personal connections with each family member that was in my SOAR group and felt passionate about being able to answer their questions.

Being able to educate family members and helping them feel like they are taken care of is extremely important to me, because I know that is what my family would want too. I love that I can bring a student perspective to Family Programs as a whole.  

What is your favorite tradition at Missouri State? Why? My favorite tradition at Missouri State is Bear Bash! Bear Bash occurs during Welcome Weekend. I love Bear Bash because as an incoming freshman right after I moved into my residence hall, I was able to walk directly out my door and see hundreds of other freshmen attend fun events on the North Mall at the Plaster Student Union.

I was able to make connections I maybe wouldn’t have made if I just went to my classes the next day. It definitely became a core memory for me as a freshman.  

What advice do you have for new students at Missouri State? As a new student, take advantage of the resources you are given and find what you love! Explore campus and find resources, organizations, and groups that will benefit you! Missouri State is a place where you can succeed regardless of your background or previous experiences.

Taking the time to discover what makes YOU successful is of the upmost importance. Don’t do something just because someone else thinks you would look “cooler” doing it, do it because you want to do it!

Find what makes you passionate, and if you don’t know what that looks like yet, contact someone here that can help you find it. There are people here to help you find what you love!  

What advice do you have for family members of students at Missouri State?  For family members, this transition can be tough. Some family members may be empty-nesters, or it is their first time sending someone to college. Encourage and support your student, whatever that looks like for you! Sometimes it’s sending a care package, or just a “Good morning!” text message, but the little things do go a long way as a student.

It is such an amazing accomplishment that your student is even taking this next step in life. They may go through a wide range of emotions while they are here, but support is always key.

Remind them of things you may have seen on the website or encourage them to go to a certain event you came across that’s happening here, but it’s important to also allow them to find what that may be for them!