Simoriah Longhorn, a graduate student in nutrition and dietetics at Missouri State University, was one of six outstanding students who received the 2024-25 Citizen Scholar Award, one of the university’s top student honors.
The Citizen Scholar Award celebrates students who exemplify academic success and the university’s public affairs mission.
It was created in 2007 as a special Board of Governors program to recognize outstanding citizen scholars at Missouri State. The university’s faculty and staff members submit nominations each fall.
Embracing opportunities
Growing up in O’Fallon, Illinois, Longhorn considers this recognition a significant milestone in her academic journey.
“Receiving the 2024-25 Citizen Scholar Award is an incredible honor. It also reflects the mentorship and encouragement I’ve received from my professors and department staff,” she said.
She chose Missouri State for its strong nutrition and dietetics program and welcoming environment that fostered growth.
“My mentors and peers believed in my abilities, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and pushed me to be my best self,” Longhorn said. “Their support helped me build confidence in myself, explore new opportunities and take on leadership roles I never imagined.”
Besides academic pursuits, her time at Missouri State includes serving as president of Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish honor society and promoting cultural engagement through La Barraca (The Hut).
“MSU has truly exceeded my expectations in every way and I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today,” Longhorn said.
When she graduates in May 2026, she plans to become a registered dietitian, helping others improve their health, while exploring her passion for different cultures through travel.
Broadening horizons in Springfield and abroad
Longhorn volunteered at Ozarks Food Harvest in Springfield during her undergraduate studies. This allowed her to give back to the community and gain a deep sense of empathy for others.
As an undergraduate, she had two minors – Spanish and biomedical sciences. She also earned a Basic Spanish Communication Undergraduate Certificate and a Foundations of Nutrition Undergraduate Certificate from Missouri State.
During her spring break in 2024, Longhorn studied abroad for one week in Antigua and Guatemala City. She travelled to rural schools to conduct nutritional screenings for children and helped the nutritionists at Convoy of Hope at Guatemala City to record the childrens’ growth charts.
Also, while there, she helped another organization called Center for Outreach, Development and Friendship (CADA), where she gave nutrition presentations to women in the CADA program.
Longhorn believes these opportunities have broadened her worldview and deepened her understanding of diverse cultures. Through her combined experiences locally and abroad, she has developed strong leadership skills and cultural competence. She has also enriched her life by engaging with communities.
Inspiring others
As a Citizen Scholar, Longhorn hopes to inspire other students to make a difference in their own communities.
Longhorn shared one of her favorite quotes, which deeply resonates with her and contributed to her personal growth: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” (Maya Angelou).
Her experiences on and off campus thus far highlight that leadership is about creating meaningful change and uplifting those around us.
“Missouri State helped me discover my purpose and realize the power of small acts of kindness,” Longhorn said. “We all have the ability to make a difference in someone’s life.”