Students at Missouri State University learn how to put into practice the public affairs mission of the university through coursework, activities and service-learning opportunities. December 17 the Missouri State Board of Governors recognized six students as Citizen Scholars.

“This is always a difficult selection process for us as we are faced with so many students exhibiting such extraordinary qualities,” said board member Cathy Smith, chair of the Board’s Student Affairs Committee. “To earn this designation as a Citizen Scholar, these students must go beyond expectations and truly live Missouri State’s mission in all aspects of their lives.”

The Citizen Scholar Award, instituted by the Board of Governors and approved in 2007, recognizes full-time students who have made significant accomplishments while enrolled at one of the campuses at Missouri State University. The award is given to students who have contributed to the university, advanced the university’s public affairs mission, and have been significantly engaged in extra-curricular accomplishments and/or in significant service activities in the community.

“This Citizen Scholar Award shows appreciation for all the students have accomplished, but it also places an expectation of continued excellence on these students,” added Smith.

• Jacob Swett, senior from Pleasant Hill, Mo. majoring in physics and applied mathematics and German with minors in astronomy and environmental physics technology

Other 2010 recipients of the Citizen Scholar Award include:

• Weston Bland, senior from Eldorado Springs, Mo. majoring in global studies and Middle Eastern studies, with minors in international relations and Arabic  
• Sara Ellis, senior nursing major from Monett, Mo. 
• Greggory “Luke” England, junior from Koshkonong, Mo. majoring in secondary education with an emphasis in history 
• Melissa Fagan, senior BFA acting major from Columbia, Mo. 
• Judith Rowland, senior from Springfield, Mo., majoring in political science with minors in Spanish, Chinese, Latin American studies and international relations 

Each student received a crystal globe in recognition of the award and their names will be added to the Citizen Scholar wall in the Plaster Student Union.