Last week we announced this year’s inductees into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame: Jean Carnahan, Peter Herschend, Lane McConnell, John J. Pershing and Phyllis Washington. I am excited about this class.

Jean Carnahan was Missouri’s first lady and our first female U.S. Senator. She has been a life-long advocate for children and families. Carnahan was a member of the first Congressional delegation to Afghanistan after Sept. 11 and conferred with heads of state in Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Oman.

Peter Herschend is co-founder and co-owner of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (formerly Silver Dollar City, Inc.). Herschend is well known for his efforts to help set the direction of tourism and education in Missouri. An education champion, Herschend has been instrumental in promoting higher standards for Missouri’s public education system for more than two decades.

Lane McConnell founded the Farmers Market of the Ozarks (FMO) in Springfield with local developer Matt O’Reilly in early 2011. The market is home to more than 110 farmers and was named the number six farmers market in the country in 2015. The market has also been placed on the Top 10 List for national news sites such as MSN.com, Food52.com, The Daily Meal and Feast Magazine.

General John J. Pershing, a native of Laclede, Missouri, led a distinguished military career culminating with his rank as General of the Armies. He is most recognized for his leadership during World War I, in which he commanded the American Expeditionary Force.

Phyllis Washington began her career as an educator in 1968 in Kansas City. After just a few years as a teacher, she was named principal of E.F. Swinney Applied Learning Magnet School.

Swinney was one of the first magnet schools in the Kansas City school district’s court-ordered desegregation plan, and the U.S. Department of Education recognized Swinney as one of the top elementary schools in the country. She now serves as the superintendent of Allen Village Charter School.

You can find additional information about this year’s nominees in last week’s news release.

This year’s induction ceremony and banquet will occur at 7 p.m. on April 13 at the White River Conference Center. Tickets are $40 and tables are $750. I encourage all members of the university community to purchase tickets online and attend this event.

Additionally, if you have suggestions for future inductees into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame, please submit a nomination online.

Submit nominations for Wall of Fame

Missouri State University has developed a rich heritage of outstanding faculty and staff who have contributed much to the success of our university. The Wall of Fame, located outside the Ballroom in the Plaster Student Union, is a designated location for the university to recognize and honor employees who have excelled at Missouri State and significantly contributed to the success and positive collegiate experience of students. While Missouri State University has had many outstanding employees during its long history, the intention of the Wall of Fame is to recognize those faculty and staff members who have had an impact on students that is considered truly noteworthy.

Nominations are now being accepted for next year’s honorees. I encourage you to nominate former Missouri State University employees who you believe should be recognized with this honor. You can submit nominations online. Selection criteria and a list of past inductees can also be found online. Nominations will be accepted until March 9.

A reception and installation of honoree recognition plaques will take place on Oct. 19 in the PSU Ballroom.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!