Getting together with friends and colleagues to talk about a shared experience improves relationships, builds synergy and encourages diverse perspectives.

We hope you’ll take part in this experience each year by participating in the Common Reader Project.

We want to encourage students, faculty, administration, staff, and community partners to form small group discussions — both on- and off-campus — to read together and consider the issues raised around our own institution and community. 

Start the conversation now with your colleagues and plan a date to discuss the Common Reader over lunch or coffee.

Go to the convocation

Shaun Tomson is the author of this year’s Common Reader “The Code – The Power of ‘I Will.”

He will be The Public Affairs Convocation speaker at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Plaster Student Union Theater.

Save the date

The presentation is free and open to the public.

He’ll also be available for book signings following the presentation.

Get your book now

The book centers on themes like finding purpose and setting goals. At the beginning of a new year, why not set some time for yourself to focus on this?

This is also a perfect time to begin setting goals for yourself or your book club so that you can set aside time to discuss the book.

We have free copies of the book, while supplies last.

Request your copy now

Contact the Office of Public Affairs Support at 417-836-8832 or PublicAffairs@MissouriState.edu for more information.