Presidential Updates

Citizen Scholars (from left to right): Sarah McCord, Triona Leach, Susan Hardy, Erik Netzer, Tyler Crane and Heather Day.

Clif’s Notes for Dec. 19, 2023

Get to know the six Citizen Scholars for 2023-24.

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It’s been a busy fall semester filled with changes, challenges and successes. We’ve made it to the end, and we all deserve a great holiday break coming up.

Recognizing six exceptional students

As a university with a public affairs mission, we not only prepare and educate our students for future careers; we also encourage and create opportunities for them to use their skills and talents to positively impact their communities and the world.

At the regular Board of Governors meeting last Thursday, six exceptional students received the elite 2023-24 Citizen Scholar Award. The award recognizes them for their outstanding achievements in academics, community engagement and leadership.

This newest group of Citizen Scholars plan to educate the next generation; train future health care workers; promote public history; impact the world of human resources; advocate for the agriculture industry; and engage their communities.

They are:

  • Tyler Crane, senior, elementary education.
  • Heather Day, senior, nursing.
  • Susan Hardy, junior, history.
  • Triona Leach, senior, human resources.
  • Sarah McCord, graduate student, agriculture.
  • Erik Netzer, senior, civil engineering.

You can find out more about these recipients in this article.

Congratulations to each one of them on this well-deserved award! They’re the epitome of what it means to “Make Your Missouri Statement.” It was an honor to celebrate with them and their families at a special dinner on Thursday evening.

I wish you all happy holidays. Have a wonderful, safe and restful break.

Thank you for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

About Clif Smart

Clifton "Clif" M. Smart III has served as the 11th president of Missouri State University since June 27, 2011. Smart is known throughout campus and the state of Missouri for his collaborative leadership and strong relationships with students, faculty and staff. During his tenure, the university has continually set new enrollment records, added degree programs and constructed or extensively renovated more than a dozen major campus facilities.

Before his presidency, Smart served as the Missouri State University’s general counsel.