Senior Academic Records Specialist, West Plains Campus

A rare summer breeze sweeps through the air as are you transported back in time by the sights, sounds, and smells of the Old Time Music Ozarks Heritage Festival. Inspired by the plucking of a passionate banjo player, your nose pursues the delicious aromas of some old-fashioned delicacies: chicken noodle soup, fresh-made loaves of bread, and homemade vinegar pie. As you browse the finest selections of antique treats, you are welcomed by the smiling face of Missouri State’s own Tara Shahan, senior records specialist in West Plains.

Tara loves being a part of the annual festival and reviving old recipes for others to enjoy. Currently she is strengthening her involvement in the West Plains Council on the Arts, where she regularly teaches craft classes to help raise money for local student scholarships. Her classes have grown significantly in the past three years, and she enjoys painting barn quilts with her fellow community members. In the past, her involvement includes being a Boy Scout Leader in Rolla and managing a 12-person high adventure trip to Canada. Tara’s own mother was a 4-H leader and inspired her with a  lifelong mission for the arts and providing service to others.  Tara’s overall efforts to engage in and educate her community make her an excellent embodiment of our public affairs mission in action.

Don’t miss this year’s Old-Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival on June 3-4, 2022 in historic downtown West Plains!

Interview and spotlight provided by Cole Howerton, graduate assistant, Office of Public Affairs Support.