Four MSU employees are being recognized for their volunteer service, outside their normal work capacity. The Excellence in Community Service Awards are presented annually for up to two faculty and two staff who each receive a plaque and a one-time cash award of $1,500.
The 2024 recipients have all exceled at demonstrating how the public affairs mission can be put into action.
Faculty Recipients
Dr. John Prescott, Professor of Music
Grabbing his bugle, John honors our service veterans by performing Taps at numerous events and memorial services. And since its inception 15 years ago, his has been the lead off for MSU’s annual Taps Project which is held on Veteran’s Day. For over 2 decades he has lent his talents to leading Handbell Choirs for several church organizations and volunteered in a variety of ways with the Boy Scouts. John credits his father, a World War II pilot and gospel music singer, for instilling in him at a young age the importance of faith, giving back, and the value of sharing your talents with others. Thank you John for your service to others and congratulations.
Dr. William Sandell, Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Bill’s passion to serve the greater good, has improved the safety and well-being for many communities. He has been instrumental in developing local, state and national programming…even a state-of-the-art virtual reality training system…for the training purposes and prevention of active shootings. In this arena he is also a subject matter expert and data scientist for the FBI… and the Springfield Police Department’s Gun Crimes Project. His other volunteer projects have ranged from being a park board member for the City of Battlefield, a volunteer fire fighter, and a rescuer of stranded marine mammals.
Staff Recipients
Chiara Citterio, MSU Counseling Center
Outside her professional work, Chiara volunteers with the area’s Suicide Prevention Coalition, and the Greene County Firearm Suicide Prevention Planning Team. Through community trainings, and offering direct support counseling, her service is impacting the wellness of individuals and families and affecting public safety policy. This past year, Chiara also joined the Springfield Black Tie planning committee. Her time spent planning and fundraising for this event, helped raise $250,000 for local and state charities that support the LGBTQ+ community.
Paige Jenkins, Office of Student Engagement
With a passion for the arts and youth mentorship, Paige’s volunteer efforts help to empower others reach their full potential. Actively involved with Springfield Little Theater, she assists with promotional and fundraising efforts and serves as board secretary as an Associate Board Member. She also volunteers as a youth mento, with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. Several times a month, she spends quality time with her paired youth on goal-setting, relationship building and other skills to help build resilience, and long-term success in their education, work and life.
How can you nominate an employee?
Nominations may be submitted at anytime during the year for both faculty and staff. However, the selection process for this award is determined during the fall semester. Any student, employee or community member may nominate a full-time staff or faculty member for consideration. To nominate, please fill out this online nomination form. Nominees will be notified of their nomination and have an opportunity to provide additional information about their volunteer work.
For more information contact Stacey Trewatha-Bach, Office of Public Affairs Support at 417-836-8832 or StaceyTrewwatha@MissouriState.edu.