Success Coaches Archives - A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Meet your NEW Success Coaches! (Fall 2026, Week 11)

October 28, 2026 by CAST

Meet our GA Success Coaches behind CAST! Our Success Coaches are here to support, encourage and help students make the most of their time at Missouri State. We asked them a few fun questions so you can get to know the people who are always ready to cheer you on!

First up, meet Daniel! Daniel is new to CAST this year, and we’re so grateful to have him on our team! He’s already making a difference as a Success Coach, and we appreciate all the hard work he brings to the office!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Daniel and I am originally from Greenfield, Missouri and graduated from Missouri State last semester (Spring 2026) with a Bachelor of Science in English Literature. I am currently getting a master’s in Student Affairs and Higher Education. In my free time, I like spending time with my friends, playing video games and reading.

Is there any midterm/finals advice you would give to students? 

First and foremost, don’t forget to study, but also don’t forget to relax and reward yourself whenever you do well.

Why do you think students should meet with a success coach?

Students should meet with a success coach so they can really develop the skills they may not have had the opportunity to yet. During our meetings, we typically help students plan their schedules and learn general study skills, which are skills that students will need to have in college. Beyond just talking about what you may be struggling with, everyone needs somebody that they can also talk to about what their successes are.

What is a personal habit or routine that helps you stay motivated, balanced, and at your best? 

Maintaining a planner. I prefer my planner digitally because I know I will always have it on me, but some people prefer having a paper version. No matter what the form is, though, everyone should have a planner so that they can keep track of what’s coming up and have a good bird’s eye view of all their activities (classes, orgs, work, etc.).

Why did you decide to go to graduate school?

I wanted to go to graduate school because I wanted to learn more about the career I am going into, as well as make myself a more competitive candidate. Additionally, I was very excited about pushing myself to do more research, which my program focuses on greatly.

Meet Kaydley! She brings plenty of positive energy, laughter and fun energy to the CAST office. Her upbeat personality makes her students feel comfortable, whether they’re stopping by for support, advice or just a friendly face.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Kaydley Herndon and I am from Billings, Missouri. I am currently pursuing my Masters in School Counseling to become a middle school counselor. I love to hammock, bake and read in my free time. I love a time piece like Little House on the Prairie or Pride and Prejudice; I could (do) watch them over and over again for sure.

Is there any midterm/finals advice you would give to students? 

My advice to students is to have a routine!! Routines are great and help create healthy and successful habits. Incorporating study time, enough rest, and relaxation time is important to everyone’s routine. Especially with large tests, studying ahead of time and getting enough sleep can make a big difference!

Why do you think students should meet with a success coach?

Students should meet with a success coach because it’s fun! We are a resource for them to help support their long-term success at Missouri State. Success coaching is a no-lose situation; it’s free, not a major time commitment, and we have so many tips and techniques for students!

What is a personal habit or routine that helps you stay motivated, balanced, and at your best? 

I incorporate many little things to help stay balanced and at my best such as Culvers Wednesdays, doing homework in a coffee shop on Fridays and playing the piano once I get home in the evening. Each activity encourages me to stay motivated and balanced throughout my week!

Why did you decide to go to graduate school?

Graduate school has always been part of my plan as I need a master’s degree to become a school counselor. I additionally wanted to learn hands-on skills that will help me better support my future students.

Our Success Coaches are here to help students feel supported, encouraged and confident throughout their college experience. Whether you need help finding resources, staying on track or just someone in your corner, the CAST Success Coaches are always ready to help you succeed at Missouri State!

~Carsyn Vincent

(Bio: I am a third-year International Business Management Major with a Minor in Marketing. A fun fact about me is that I love to listen to music, specifically Noah Kahan and Bella Kay.)

Making realty her new reality

March 5, 2026 by Quincy Young

A house isn’t a home without the people who live in it.

That’s why we need aspiring realtors like Kamryn Middleton.

After spending the past three years moving through foster homes, Middleton now seeks to give others what she was missing: a chance to put down roots.

“I want to create a business. I want to create a name. I want to help people be able to find their ‘forever homes,’ not in a cliché way. But I know for me, I moved around a lot, and I struggled with making a home somewhere,” she said.

As a freshman at Missouri State, she is set on double majoring in entrepreneurship and finance.

After completing an internship with Springfield real estate companies, Middleton realized how much she enjoyed communicating with her clients.

With business and money often intertwined, she sees a finance major as an asset that will complement her entrepreneurial ambitions.

When Middleton was deciding on colleges, her high school teacher encouraged her to consider applying to Missouri State, which quickly became her first choice of schools due to its affordability and proximity to her hometown of Independence, Missouri.

She was also drawn to the promising opportunities in Springfield, where she could engage with the community.

“I felt like Missouri State was the best option for me,” Middleton said. “They gave me the most financial coverage, and I had a lot of people there to help me — whether that was my success coach, my academic advisor and other people who were there with me to help me through the process.”

Set up for success

Middleton’s transition into college life was made easier with the support of her success coach, Christina Bowles.

“I was very nervous to have a success coach, because I didn’t really want someone who was necessarily a therapist for me. And I didn’t want a tutor,” Middleton said. “I wanted someone that I could just kind of talk to (and) problem solve with who understood where I was coming from.”

Middleton was glad to have someone who could walk her through things like:

Getting started at Missouri State.
Preparing for tests and classwork.
Finding out if she had any learning disabilities.
Staying up to date on student opportunities.
Her personal concerns.

“(Christina) stays very engaged in my life, so I hadn’t met with her for two weeks coming around finals week this past semester, and she still emailed me to ask me how my finals went and about specific classes that she knew I was struggling with,” Middleton said.

Although Middleton is a stellar student in her own right, she gladly accepted study tips from Bowles.

During one of their meetings, Bowles showed Middleton how to use Quizlet, a study website, to prepare for an upcoming final.

“Those were simple ways to help and push you to make you want to do better,” Middleton said. “I definitely want to do better for myself, but it helps having someone you know believes in you and who you can just talk to who’s here, especially when your family is three hours away. It’s very, very needed.”

In addition to classwork, Middleton works with her success coach to establish her future goals and to balance her coursework with her personal time.

Middleton credits Bowles with boosting her confidence to ask professors questions and voice any of her concerns.

“If I’m struggling with something, (Christina) would help me and push me towards communicating and engaging with others better in all different aspects, whether that’s socially or academically.”

A support system for a first-generation student

During her first semester living on campus, Middleton had many opportunities to engage with other students and dive deeper into her academics.

One of her favorite events was Greek Street, a block party where all Missouri State students were welcome to learn about Panhellenic groups. Although Middleton isn’t currently in a sorority, she enjoyed getting to know active members.

Jumping into her degree path, Middleton has already attended many student organizational meetings in the College of Business, including risk management and insurance clubs, as well as Women in Business.

“There’s just a realm of fun things to do here, so I’m never bored,” she said. “I’ve never really had an interest in basketball or football, but here I am attending games and meeting new people and going out with my friends. I’ve always been a very social person, but I felt like even college would be a little bit harder for me. But, Missouri State has definitely made that easier.”

Through Bowles’s influence, Middleton was able to expand her network and get plugged into the first-generation student community.

Bowles would notify her about first-generation club events and opportunities, like study groups, crafting activities and breakfasts.

“I think that having a success coach definitely helped me branch out more and understand that I’m not the only one who is a first-generation student.”

Currently, Middleton expects to graduate in May 2029, but she is looking into paths to graduate sooner.

While a career in real estate is her clear-cut destination, she also hopes to give back to the foster care system in the future.

Aside from potentially minoring in social work, she continues to look for ways she can be a present and helpful neighbor, which she says, are by “being there for the community, whether that’s fostering my own children or going out and helping in the community or just supporting my parents because they foster children.”

Major in entrepreneurship Major in finance Connect with a success coach

Photos by Kevin White

Christina Bowles, academic advisor and success coach, poses next to her student, Kamryn Middleton. — Christina Bowles, academic advisor and success coach, has been influential in the college journey of her student, Kamryn Middleton. Kevin White/Missouri State University

Q & A with Our Coordinator of Student Success Coaches (Spring 2026, Week 7)

February 27, 2026 by Eternity Lawson

Who is the person behind the Student Success Coaches in the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) office? Meet Christina Bowles, a double-master’s grad, creativity enthusiast, and a fierce advocate for student growth. From her experience as an advisor to her current role as Coordinator of Student Success Coaches, Christina knows exactly what it takes to thrive at MSU. We asked her for her best advice on asking for help, practicing self-care, and why meeting with a coach is a total win-win for every student.

Christina Bowles

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I grew up in Raytown, MO, before moving to Springfield to attend Missouri State University (at the time Southwest Missouri State University). I majored in Communication with minors in French and Religious Studies, and I went on to complete my Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education. As a first-generation college student, I am very proud of, and thankful for, my education. To pay it forward, I was an Academic Advisor to Undeclared students at Missouri State University for over a decade before becoming a Success Coach.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter. We love to travel and often go to Oklahoma City for Thunder games. I am passionate about creativity – in my actions, dress, and hobbies, which include sewing and drawing.

Tell us a little bit about your position here in the CAST office:

As the Coordinator of Student Success Coaches, I help organize student outreach, process Success Coach referrals and requests, and support our graduate assistant Success Coaches. However, the most “fun” part of my position is when I am coaching my students. I truly appreciate seeing them grow, helping them achieve their goals, and simply getting to know them better.

I also teach GEP 101: First-Year Foundations, so I get to work very closely with first-year students as they navigate university life.

Christina Bowles talking to students at tabling event — Kevin White/Missouri State University

Mid semester advice:

It’s never too late to ask for help! If you are struggling, reach out to your support system. Also, when it gets tough, remember why you’re here and what you want to accomplish.

Why do you think students should meet with a success coach:

You have nothing to lose! As a student, you drive the agenda – you can meet with a Success Coach as often as you like, and it is completely free. Even if you are doing well, we can help you stay motivated and on track. There is simply no reason not to meet with a Success Coach.

What is one way you practice self-care:

I love to be outside and moving. I will often go for walks around campus, or you may find me at the Foster Recreation Center over lunch time. I always recharge from a little exercise! Self-care is going to look different for everyone, and I often coach my students on what self-care looks like for them and how to include it in their schedule.

Request a Success Coach today and learn how our office can help you. Also consider joining MSU I’m First, the student organization dedicated to first generation students like Christina. Have any questions or want more information? Stop by our office (Library 116) and we’d be happy to help.

~Eternity Lawson

(Bio: I am a second year Agriculture Communications Student here at MSU. Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.)

Meet Success Coach Aly (Spring 2026, Week 4)

February 3, 2026 by Eternity Lawson

Welcome back to campus, Bears! This spring the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) is excited to welcome a new success coach! Success coaches are graduate students who have been in your shoes as undergraduates and are here to provide academic and professional guidance to MSU students.

Aly Massardo

Area of Academic Interest:

My current degree path is for the Communication MA program. My undergrad degrees are in Psychology and Communication Studies with a certificate in Organizational Communication.

Beginning of Semester Advice:

My beginning of the semester advice is to set yourself up for success! Look over your syllabi and write down the due dates. Talk to your professors. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments, plan study times, and stay on track.

Why do you think students should meet with a success coach:

It’s a good idea to meet with a success coach because we are here to help students succeed. So, whether you need help now or are trying to be proactive in problem-solving, we meet students where they are at and help them get to where they want to be.

What is one way you practice self care:

One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is cozying up in my living room with snacks and re-watching comfort movies and shows.

Request a success coach today to be connected with one of our amazing success coaches! If you want some more information about some of our other success coaches Jack Baumgart and Erica Batson they have fun introductions as well. We hope to see you soon at the CAST office (Library 116).

~Eternity Lawson

(Bio: I am a second year Agriculture Communications Students here at MSU. Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.)

Meet Success Coach Abby (Fall 2025, Week 3)

September 4, 2025 by CAST

Happy September, Missouri State Bears! Last week, we met one of our newest Success Coaches. This week, we are meeting Abby who has been a Success Coach for a year. Abby would love to help set you up for success and be your biggest cheerleader!! Come visit the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) office, located in the Meyer Library, room 116.

Abby Horn

Academic area of interest:

I am currently getting my Master’s in speech-language pathology.

Beginning of semester advice:

A piece of advice is to stay on top of assignments and tasks from the beginning of the semester. Planners are also very important and they can help you stay on top of your course work. The syllabus is also important to look at because it has all the information you need. It can be overwhelming but I promise that it will be okay.

CAST tip: Don’t have a planner? Stop by the CAST office (Meyer Library 116) to pick up a free planner! (while supplies last)

What is your favorite thing about being a Success Coach?

My favorite thing about being a Success Coach is connecting with students and being able to watch them thrive here at MSU. I also want to make sure that students have a good experience while they are here and that they know they have a support system with us.

What is your favorite year in college and why?

My favorite year in school was my senior year of undergraduate. I felt like I had something to look forward to especially because this is the year that I got accepted into grad school. I loved hanging out with my friends this year and just knowing that I have a support system behind me.

Post-graduate advice:

You are not expected to have it all figured out when you graduate but, at least have an idea of what you would like to do in your last semester. I would also make sure to secure those professional relationships because those could be helpful in the future, especially with recommendations. Lastly, be proud of what you have accomplished!!

How do you practice self-care?

I make sure to do activities that I find enjoyment in like workout classes. It helps me get my mind off of things and it helps me feel accomplished. I also really enjoy hanging out with my friends because they always make me feel better. Definitely make sure to not neglect your hobbies.

~Brooklyn
(Bio: My name is Brooklyn Crawford and I am currently getting my Master’s of Social Work at MSU. Fun fact: I have over 600 physical book at home.)