This week’s #LeaderBear has been doing a lot in her short time here at Missouri State.

Marli Coonrod is a Public Relations major expecting to graduate in Spring of 2017.  She plans to continue her education at Missouri State University to receive a Master’s Degree in Public Relations.  This past Spring she became a graduate of our Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders and found her strengths to be positivity, futuristic, restorative, includer, and woo. She got to use these strengths when she went through our LeaderShape Conference,which occurred this summer.

Aside from being an Emerging Leader and participant of LeaderShape, Marli has been involved in Student Government Association as Director of Student Affairs.  Within this, she helped to develop URSA, which is a student engagement camp hosted by Missouri State right before the start of the academic year.  She was selected as SGA’s January Senator of the Month and served on Parent’s Weekend Committee and multiple student hearing panels.  Marli is also involved in her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, and serves on the Executive Board as Senior Panhellenic Delegate.  She was a 2015 Playfair Assistant, developed MSU: I’m First Generation organization, and currently is on the Dean’s List, volunteers regularly at the Ronald McDonald House, and is the Public Relations and Marketing Intern for March of Dimes and Campus Coordinator for the online blogging site, Studentrate.

When asked about the impact Emerging Leaders and LeaderShape has had on her, Marli responded:

“I think the most important thing I took away from these programs is realizing how important our Public Affairs Mission is. We hear and see our mission all over campus, but through these programs, I had the opportunity to put this mission into practice and understand why it is such an important aspect that makes our University as great as it is. I know I wouldn’t be holding the leadership positions or have the confidence to go after the things I want without these programs giving me the support and push I needed. Even if one thinks they are not a leader, I encourage them to apply for these programs. They will change your life and show how easy it is for one to make an impact on campus, no matter where they are in their college career.”

Marli’s advice for younger students looking to get involved is:

“Get involved! Our university is lucky to have over three hundred organizations on campus. I promise you will find your passion through one. Getting involved is one of the easiest ways to feel more connected to the University, build your resume, and the best part…..to have FUN. These organizations are meant to be something that you enjoy doing. Connecting with others who share the same passion as yourself is an exciting thing, and something everyone should take advantage of. After college, you will graduate and you’re most likely not going to remember all of the classes you took, but the friendships you make now are ones that you will carry for the rest of your life.”

If you are interested in gaining leadership skills and getting more involved with the Emerging Leaders program like Marli, you can find more information on our website at: http://www.missouristate.edu/studentengagement/leadership/CBEL.htm.  Applications are due TODAY in the Office of Student Engagement (PSU 101), where you will also sign up for an interview slot.