This week’s #LeaderBear has been continuously giving back to Missouri State University.

Todd Euglow is a current alumni of Missouri State, where he received both his Bachelors’ in Sociology in 2010 and his Masters’ in Student Affairs in 2013.  Currently, Todd works as a Career Resources Specialist for the Career Center right here on campus.  Throughout his time at Missouri State, Todd has been a participant in Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders, and has served as a facilitator for our Distinction in Public Affairs program.

While an undergraduate student, aside from being an Emerging Leader, Todd was the Residence Hall Association President and Programming Communications Coordinator and was apart of the MACURH (Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls) Planning Team in 2010.

During his graduate studies, Todd served as Chi Sigma Alpha Honors Fraternity Vice President.  He also was a previous Co-Advisor for the Residence Hall Association and Advisor of the National Residence Hall Honorary.

During his professional career at Missouri State, Todd has been a past advisor for MSU-St. Baldrick’s student organization and served as a facilitator for Distinction in Public Affairs this past Spring semester.  He currently serves as one of the current Co-Advisors of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, and is apart of NASPA, a professional organizations for student affairs professionals in higher education, and NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

When asked how Distinction in Public Affairs and Emerging Leaders has impacted him, Todd responded:

“My involvement in the Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders program came at a pivotal time in my undergraduate career. Up until this leadership program, my only involvement on campus was through my Hall Council executive board and a general member of the Student Activities Council. Being a part of the Emerging Leaders program challenged my perception of involvement as well as allowed me step outside of my comfort zone. The program encouraged me to continue my involvement on campus on a larger scale. Had it not been for the leadership skills and connections I gained through Emerging Leaders, I would not have been as prepared to tackle my future leadership roles. Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as a facilitator for the Distinction in Public Affairs program. It was phenomenal to witness the impact that students can have on the campus and the city of Springfield through assessing and addressing the critical needs that exist within our community.”

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

“I am constantly challenging students to find opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone. I know from personal experience that once you begin to explore opportunities outside of your comfort zone, such as Emerging Leaders and Distinction in Public Affairs, your awareness of the possibilities that exist on campus will increase exponentially. It’s also important to remember that everyone has to do this at their own pace. Many students can get overwhelmed when they see their roommate or other students involved in an extensive number of activities. I think it’s important to start with one or two organizations that you really connect with initially. As someone who also works with students in the career development process, I try to educate students on the impact that involvement in leadership opportunities and student organizations can have on future employability. You do not have to be involved in 5 or 6 opportunities or organizations to accomplish this. Sometimes quality over quantity makes all the difference.”

If you are wanting to work with excellent faculty and staff such as Todd, and are interested in participating in our Distinction in Public Affairs program, look online at: http://www.missouristate.edu/studentengagement/leadership/dpa.htm.