The Citizen Scholar Award was initiated in 2007 as a special Board of Governors program to recognize outstanding citizen scholars at Missouri State University. Each year, six winners are selected by Board members and recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and strength of character. 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.

The Missouri State University Board of Governors selected six students as the recipients of the award on December 13. The 2013 recipients included two communication students:

• Nii Kpakpo Ekow Abrahams
• Paige Oxendine

More about Nii

Nii Kpakpo Ekow Abrahams is a senior communication major from Joplin, Mo., Nii was nominated by Joseph Morris, who said of his leadership skills: “Nii is particularly passionate about broadening his understanding of ethical leadership through his scholarship and practical application.”

More about Paige

Paige Oxendine, is a senior public relations and socio-political communication major from Neosho, Mo., Paige was nominated by Dr. Gloria Galanes, who said: “She is the embodiment of what I think of as a ‘citizen scholar.’ Her life here at the university has not been just about doing a great job academically—it has been about using her abilities and talents to improve the quality of life for students at the university.”