That motto rings true for lifelong Lebanon resident, Hannah Harrill. After high school, she chose Ozarks Technical Community College in Lebanon for her associate’s degree.

“I then chose Missouri State because it was the natural choice after having completed my associate’s through OTC. The transition was seamless.”

Affordable and convenient 

That seamless transition allowed her to live with her family while she attended school. In addition to Missouri State’s affordable tuition, she saved money by living and studying close to home.

“I cut a lot of expense by staying home (and) utilizing online classes. This allowed me to work two jobs and participate in an ambassador program through MSU. It was so convenient for my busy life.”

She took classes at Missouri State-Lebanon, and rounded out her course selection with online classes.

“I appreciated online classes through MSU because I live in Lebanon and commuting to Springfield would get pretty expensive since I was still living at home at the time.

One of the jobs she worked during college was as an ambassador for MSU-Lebanon. As an ambassador, she attended university and community events. On a satellite campus like MSU-Lebanon, these student-led roles are particularly important for student involvement.

“I helped with student engagement and to also create community ties between the Lebanon community and the MSU community.”

Working in the field

After a lot of hard work, Hannah earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology.

“I’ve always been interested in law and the justice system. I originally planned to enter the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy and become a state trooper. However, my current position opened up and I jumped! I love watching “Forensic Files” and “Law and Order SVU.””

Now that she has graduated, she is working as a criminologist.

“I am a supervisor for a private probation and bond supervision company. I am the court liaison in Laclede County and supervise a caseload of approximately 240 clients between many southwest Missouri counties. I also submit numerous reports weekly to the court and facilitate a number of cognitive behavioral classes to our clients.” 

She enjoys her work, and feels like she made the right choice for her education and career.

“What I love about my field is that no two days are alike. It is never boring! I also really enjoy being a court liaison.”