Some honors represent more than one achievement.  

They reflect years of leadership, growth and commitment to making every opportunity count. 

At the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS), the Banner Bearer honor recognizes a student whose academic excellence, campus involvement and service make a lasting impact. 

“Serving as a Banner Bearer is a recognition reserved for students who exemplify Missouri State University’s highest ideals,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean. “The role represents a student’s demonstrated commitment to the university’s public affairs mission of ethical leadership, community engagement and cultural competence.” 

Representing MCHHS at commencement 

Seven exceptional students were nominated for the honor this year: 

• Carlos Abrams, senior, psychology 
• Shawneva Daboz, senior, biomedical sciences 
• Abigail Dunker, senior, health services  
• Georgia Ehrhardt, senior, communication sciences and disorders, speech-language pathology pathway 
• Allie German, senior, psychology  
• Olivia Melder, senior, social work  
• McKenzie Plummer, senior, communication sciences and disorders, audiology pathway  

From this group, German was chosen to carry the MCHHS banner and lead the procession for the college at the spring 2026 commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. May 8 in Great Southern Bank Arena. 

Reflecting on the honor 

For German, being selected as a Banner Bearer is a meaningful achievement and reflects her undergraduate journey.

She also expressed her gratitude to Dr. Amber Abernathy, professor and psychology undergraduate program director, for the nomination.  

“I spent my undergraduate years making the most of each course, participating in many extracurriculars and seeking experiences that pushed me out of my comfort zone,” German said. “Through these experiences, I became more involved on campus and got to know my professors and Missouri State peers better.” 

Abernathy praised German’s commitment to learning and leadership.  

“Over the past few years, I’ve watched Allie distinguish herself through research, campus leadership and academic excellence,” Abernathy said. “She approaches all projects with excitement and zeal for knowledge.” 

After graduation, German plans to continue her academic journey through Missouri State’s experimental psychology master’s program. 

“My long-term goal is to be an experimental psychologist and to spend a lifetime learning more,” German said. 

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