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Delta Dental Donation Supports Health and Wellness at the Bear Pantry

May 15, 2025 by Alex Johnson

The Bear Pantry at Missouri State University is expanding its impact, thanks to a generous in-kind donation from Delta Dental to the MSU Foundation. This thoughtful contribution of oral hygiene products—including dental floss, toothpaste, and toothbrushes—will be distributed through the Bear Pantry to support the health and wellness of our campus community.

CCE Student Specialist, McKennzee Newton, displays donated products.

Access to oral care products is a key component of overall wellness but is often overlooked in conversations about basic needs. By providing these essential hygiene items, Delta Dental is helping the Bear Pantry further its mission of reducing barriers and supporting student success.

“We’re grateful for Delta Dental’s commitment to supporting holistic student wellness,” said Alex Johnson, Director of the Center for Community Engagement. “This donation helps us serve our community more fully and ensures that Bear Pantry guests have access to both nutritious food and critical personal care items.”

The Bear Pantry serves all members of the Missouri State University community, including students, faculty, and staff. Together, with the support of partners like Delta Dental and the MSU Foundation, the Bear Pantry is advancing its mission to meet basic needs and build a stronger, healthier campus community.

For more information on how to donate or get involved with the Bear Pantry, visit https://www.missouristate.edu/CCE/bear-pantry.htm.

 

Tagged With: #citizenbear, Bear Pantry, community, Community Engagement, public affairs

Highlight your work in Public Affairs. Earn a certificate from the Peace Corps.

August 25, 2021 by Alex Johnson

The Peace Corps logo

Missouri State University is continuing its official partnership with the Peace Corps to provide an opportunity for MSU students to highlight their work on campus and in the community.  The Peace Corps Prep Certificate program is housed in the Center for Community Engagement, and students interested in learning more can contact CCE Director, Alex Johnson, for more information.

Peace Corps Prep is available to any undergraduate at Missouri State, and students can join at any time.  This certificate program for undergraduates centers around one empowering question: How can you prepare yourself to be the best Peace Corps Volunteer you can be?

The Peace Corps logo
The Peace Corps partnered with Missouri State University in 2019.

Going Global

As a Peace Corps Prep institution, Missouri State can suggest curriculum and provide guidance to students interested in serving internationally. Although completion of the program does not guarantee acceptance as a Peace Corps volunteer, the specialized curriculum and experience through Peace Corps Prep will greatly increase your chances.

The Peace Corps Prep Program integrates four key objectives into coursework and community engagement:

  • Training and experience in a work sector
  • Foreign language skills
  • Intercultural competence
  • Professional and leadership development

Tagged With: Center for Community Engagement, community, Community Engagement, global, leadership, Peace Corps, Service

Peace Corps Celebrates 60th Anniversary

March 2, 2021 by Alex Johnson

The Peace Corps logo

President John F. Kennedy signed the executive order establishing the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961. Over the past 60 years, many have been influenced by the mission and goals of the Peace Corps.

Find out more about Peace Corps’ history

This week, Peace Corps recruiters will host more than 100 events virtually around the world to celebrate many aspects of the Peace Corps’ diverse legacy. We encourage students interested in joining Peace Corps Prep at Missouri State to join highlighted virtual events below:

60 Years of Service: Stories of JFK and the Peace Corps Legacy – March 3, 2021

Info Session: Which Peace Corps Sector is Right for Me? – March 3, 2021

60 Years of Service: Stories from Returned Volunteers on Career Sacrifices and Benefits – March 4, 2021

Panel Discussion: Peace Corps Celebrates International Women’s Day – March 8, 2021

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Citizen Bear, community, Community Engagement, International, public affairs, Service

Bear Pantry distributed 5900 lbs of goods in Fall 2020

January 26, 2021 by Alex Johnson

The Bear Pantry serves as a resource for Missouri State students, staff, and faculty who may face food insecurity.  In the Fall 2020 semester, more than 5,900 lbs of food and hygiene items were distributed, marking an unprecedented semester.

Support from Citizen Bears

Generous support from students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members allowed the Bear Pantry to consistently serve 539 people in Fall 2020 through in-person shopping and online orders.

University departments and donors also supported the growth of healthy food options offered by the Bear Pantry.  For example, a graduate student from the Darr College of Agriculture developed a hydroponics garden system, through which the Bear Pantry can grow its own fresh produce.  In addition, the  MSU Campus Garden donated more than 300 lbs of fresh produce in 2020.  Dietetic Interns developed healthy recipes, food demos, and shopping lists for Bear Pantry members and donors.

In 2021, the Bear Pantry continues to develop ways to sustainably address food insecurity and support student success. To become a Bear Pantry member, visit the website or stop by the University Hall basement (Monday-Friday, 10a.m.-2p.m).

Learn how you can support the Bear Pantry

 

Tagged With: Agriculture, Bear Pantry, Campus Garden, Citizen Bear, community, Community Engagement, Darr, Food, Hydroponics, public affairs

SGA donates educational supplies to the Bear Pantry

January 25, 2021 by Alex Johnson

Missouri State’s Student Government Association donated 65 lbs of school supplies to the Bear Pantry to begin the Spring 2021 semester.  This donation supports the Bear Pantry’s mission of student success.

The Bear Pantry is available to MSU students, faculty, and staff who may face food insecurity.  Open Monday-Friday, 10a.m.-2p.m. in the University Hall basement, the Bear Pantry offers in-person shopping and online orders.

Learn more about the Bear Pantry

Learn more about Student Government Association

Tagged With: Bear Pantry, community, Community Engagement, public affairs, SGA, Student Government

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