When Rebekah Gunter, a first-generation college student from DeKalb, Missouri, arrived at Missouri State University in fall 2022, she did not have a clear plan.

But after four years as a Bear, she will leave with purpose, confidence and a record of meaningful impact as she graduates this May.

“More than anything, my experiences at Missouri State showed me what I’m capable of when I fully commit and push myself further,” she said.

From uncertainty to purpose

A marketing senior, Gunter once felt uncertain about her college choice and future. Although she had committed to another university, a campus visit and scholarship interview at Missouri State changed her direction. What stood out to her went beyond academics alone.

“I saw the opportunity, the support and how accessible the university is,” Gunter said.

Her interest in marketing began in high school through Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitions, where she discovered a passion for connecting people through creativity and strategy. That same competitive spirit carried into college, where Missouri State’s strong FBLA presence reinforced her choice.

For Gunter, Missouri State became the place where an early interest grew into a clear direction.

From theory to practice

Marketing became more meaningful to her when applied it outside of the classroom. Through her courses, she worked with clients, helping her connect theory to real-world impact. Being able to include that experience on her resume, along with the skills she developed, enabled her to stand out in interviews.

In summer 2024, she completed an internship at Guaranty Bank, working on projects far beyond what she once imagined as a student. She conducted market research across 20 branches in the Midwest and helped develop a financial literacy campaign, creating content ranging from social media to newsletters and press materials.

“For the first time, marketing was no longer just an idea — it was something I could see, build and share with others,” she said.

More than expected

A defining turning point in Gunter’s journey came when she was selected for the Centennial Leaders Scholarship Program. It recognizes students who demonstrate leadership potential through their involvement in high school activities, such as arts, athletics, volunteerism and academics.

The recognition became a starting point that shifted her self perception. It gave her the confidence to see herself not just as a participant, but a leader. That belief pushed her to take on challenges she once thought were out of reach, including running for and becoming senior class president in spring 2025.

“Getting this award made me feel seen, empowered me to believe in myself more and set goals to achieve during my undergrad,” she said.

Where leadership meets impact

Throughout her time at Missouri State, Gunter stepped into a wide range of leadership roles, including serving as senior class president in the Student Government Association (SGA), president of the Student Activities Council and Homecoming chair director. Across these roles, she led teams, planned large-scale events and represented thousands of students across campus.

But for her, leadership was never about titles but impact.

That mindset came to life when she helped restart the Rent-A-Gown program through her work in the SGA. Going into the role, she wanted to provide resources that would genuinely benefit graduating students rather than simply spending money on tabling.

So far, the program has supported 40 students with regalia. This removes a financial barrier that could have prevented them from walking across the stage and celebrating everything they had worked so hard to achieve.

“I’m incredibly proud to have a hand in this experience for students,” she said. “It directly aligns with Missouri State’s mission of ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

Gunter’s impact has also been recognized on campus. At the office of student engagement’s 30th Annual Student Talent and Recognition Awards Ceremony, she received the Outstanding First-Generation Student Award. It honors a student who is the first in their family to attend college and has demonstrated academic achievement and service at Missouri State.

“Even being nominated was something I was truly proud of, so actually receiving the award left me in complete disbelief,” she said.

Growing through choices

Balancing academics, leadership roles and campus involvement was not always easy. Early on, Gunter said yes to every opportunity until she realized that doing everything well required difficult choices.

Learning when to step back became just as important as stepping up. By focusing on what mattered most, she was able to fully invest in the roles and organizations that aligned with her goals.

“That balance is what allowed me to grow,” she said. “I think it’s important to say yes to every opportunity, but it’s even more important to know when it’s OK to step back.”

As she gets ready to graduate, Gunter is exploring opportunities in advertising and nonprofit marketing, with plans to continue her education in the future.

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