Four MSU employees have been recognized for their volunteer service/community engagement, outside their normal work capacity.  The Excellence in Community Service Awards is presented annually for up to two faculty and two staff who each receive a plaque and a one-time cash award of $1,500, funded by the MSU Foundation.

The 2025 recipients have all exceled at demonstrating how the public affairs mission can be put into action.  Please join the Office of Public Affairs Support in congratulating this year’s awardees for demonstrating public affairs in action, and how we can all be active Citizen Bears!

Staff Recipients

(Plaques were presented to staff recipients at the All-Staff Luncheon on Jan. 8, 2025)

Carrie High, Custodial Services

Carrie’s passion and heart belongs to rescuing, fostering and ensuring happy lives for homeless pets.  Having fostered nearly 200 dogs, her specialty is rehabbing those with medical issues and those in need of hospice care.  After years of planning and red tape, Carrie recently succeeded in the completion of a dog play yard, for the Bolivar Missouri city pound.  She personally designed the park, wrote the proposal for the city, raised the money and then with friends, actually built the playground.  In addition, she, along with fellow MSU colleague Katy Rogers, spend weekends moving shelter dogs to new homes across the US.  They will typically leave directly after their campus night shift, drive to Oklahoma, relieve drivers from Texas, and then travel eastward for yet another leg in the dog’s journey.  Whether serving on the front lines or on the Board of Directors for rescue organizations in Missouri, Texas and Michigan, Carrie says it is a privilege, and a personal calling to help serve and rehome the unwanted and homeless animals of our communities.

Crockett Oaks, III, West Plains Business Support Services.      

Through his leadership and passion for service, Crockett has made a profound impact in the West Plains region and beyond.  Exemplifying the spirit of engagement, collaboration and empowerment, Crockett volunteers time to numerous initiatives. As the Founder of the Lincoln School Project, he restored a historic one-room schoolhouse, transforming it from a symbol of segregation into a cultural center, that celebrates Black history and fosters community learning and dialogue.  He also serves on the City of West Plains’ Planning and Zoning Committee, the Downtown Revitalization Committee, the St. Louis African American History, Initiative Board and frequently speaks at local schools and organizations.  His advocacy extends further as a supporter, and current Board President, of the Christos House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  A passionate advocate at many levels, he works to inspire others to engage in community and foster collective action for those in need.

Faculty Recipients

(Plaques were awarded to faculty recipients at a special presentation held on Jan. 28, 2025)

Dr. Elizabeth Dudash-Buskirk, Communication, Media, Journalism and Film

Elizabeth’s passion to serve the greater good, is evident in numerous ways.  Over many years, she has founded and worked with several community building initiatives.  Most recently, she instituted Nixa’s U-Turn in Education.  This initiative helps to fight censorship and ensure transparency throughout Nixa’s educational system.  She also administers the Nixa Share Project and runs the Christmas Adoption Program.  Having a heart for animals, she also volunteers with Watching Over Whiskers, a rescue and foster nonprofit for cats.  She serves in all ways, even the dirtier tasks, to those felines with injuries and special needs.

Dr. Judith Martinez, Languages Cultures and Religions

Judith’s passion for service is evident in the multitude of leadership roles she holds.  The Minorities Business Association, Leadership Springfield, Sister Cities, Junior League and the… A Girl Like Me Network are just a few examples of the organizations she serves.  Volunteering as a translator, for the Drew Lewis Foundation and the Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, as well as creating the “Build a Longer Table” program, highlights her work, to create a more connected, supportive, and inclusive community throughout the Ozarks.

How can you nominate an employee?

Nominations may be submitted at any time 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.