Six students honored as 2013-14 Citizen Scholars

Friday, December 13, 2013

The Missouri State University Board of Governors designated six students as the 2013 Citizen Scholars at their meeting today (Dec. 13). These students were selected for their dedication to the public affairs mission of the university through course work, activities and service-learning opportunities.

“As in the past, this was a very difficult selection process. We had many wonderful, deserving nominees. However, the committee chose these students for their outstanding work within all of the three pillars of Missouri State University’s public affairs mission,” said Cathy Smith, former Board of Governors member who served on the selection committee.

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.

“As a part of their serving natures and well developed skills, they applied the qualities of ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement in their lives both on and off campus,” said Smith. “We are very proud of all of our MSU students. We most especially congratulate these six amazing Citizen Scholars.”

The 2013 recipients of the Citizen Scholar Award are:

• Nii Kpakpo Ekow Abrahams, a senior communication major from Joplin, Mo.
• Mariah Gregg, a senior philosophy major from Thayer, Mo.
• Jared Horman, a senior graphic design major from Camdenton, Mo.
• Kris Keilty, an MBA student from Rich Fountain, Mo.
• Walter Orr, a senior professional writing major from Kansas City, Mo.
• Paige Oxendine, a senior public relations and socio-political communication major from Neosho, Mo.

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

            Filed Under: public affairs