Suffering from chronic pain is a pain in the neck. Missouri State University’s Dr. Paul Durham knows that.

His research in the field of orofacial pain and migraine has earned him acclaim as an international expert.

Now Durham, distinguished professor of biology, receiving the university’s highest honor — the Bronze Bear.

The Missouri State Board of Governors voted today (Oct. 27) to award the distinction to Durham. It will be presented at a Dec. 15 commencement ceremony in JQH Arena.

Durham’s accomplishments

Durham has played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences in Jordan Valley Innovation Center. He’s recruited talented scientists and developed corporate partnerships.

“If you want to see what MSU is capable of, Dr. Durham’s lab will blow your mind,” said MSU President Clif Smart.

Other highlights from his last 16 years at Missouri State:

• Served as an invited speaker more than 75 times
• Authored or co-authored 80 peer-reviewed research publications, numerous book chapters and technical reports, and 160 published abstracts
• Gained nearly $14 million in external grants to support his research
• Advised 95 undergraduate research students, served as the primary thesis advisor for 36 graduate students and served on nearly 20 other graduate students’ thesis committees

Read about his work in Mind’s Eye

Prior Bronze Bear recipients

• 1998 – John Q. Hammons, international developer and philanthropist
• 1999 – David D. Glass, former president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., of Bentonville, Arkansas, and owner of the Kansas City Royals baseball team
• 2000 – Dr. Duane G. Meyer, president emeritus of Missouri State
• 2003 – Virginia and William H. “Bill” Darr, founder and owner of American Dehydrated Foods and related companies, and Springfield philanthropists
• 2004 – Jane and Ken Meyer, owners of Meyer Communications, Inc., and Springfield philanthropists
• 2005 – Dr. John H. Keiser, president emeritus of Missouri State
• 2006 – Thomas G. Strong, nationally-known attorney
• 2007 – The McQueary Family, former owners of a wholesale drug company
• 2008 – The Turner Family, Great Southern Bank
• 2009 – The Pinegar Family, Pinegar Chevrolet
• 2009 – Dr. Michael T. Nietzel, former president of Missouri State
• 2010 – James P. Ferguson, president of the Heart of America Beverage Company
• 2011 – Robert W. Plaster Foundation and the Plaster Family, developers and philanthropists
• 2012 – The Journagan Family, Journagan Construction Company
• 2013 – Dr. Arthur Mallory, former president of Missouri State
• 2014 – The Foster Family, donors and members of the Missouri State Foundation Board of Trustees
• 2015 – Dr. Norm Shealy, longtime friend and contributor
• 2016 – Bobby Allison, donor

About the Bronze Bear Award

The Bronze Bear Award includes a framed resolution and a 45-pound, 18-inch Bronze Bear in an upright position mounted on a base.

Established in 1998, the Bronze Bear Award was designed by former Missouri State art professor Dr. Jim Hill. A 14-foot statue version of the Bronze Bear mounted on a 3-foot concrete base is located just north of Missouri State’s Plaster Student Union.

Recipients of the Bronze Bear are recommended by the university president and administrative council, and supported by the executive committees of the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and Student Government Association, prior to going before the Board of Governors for approval.