Staff Recipients

(Plaques were presented to staff recipients at the All-Staff Luncheon held Jan. 7, 2026)

CJ Collins, Management Information Systems, West Plains Campus 

CJ’s volunteerism reflects a deep commitment to the West Plains regional area and communities across the nation.  Giving his time and talents to numerous initiatives, he is helping children and families through his church, the Non-Profit Alliance, Downtown restorations, and CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates. His care and compassion for children led CJ to create, and lead, the nonprofit named, Always a Future for Kids.  Having started locally in 2013, the organization now has a national reach, supporting youth who have been victimized by domestic abuse, are in foster care, facing challenges in school or have survived natural disasters.  He has built a network of volunteers, infrastructure and resources, to host events and raise money to support as many children and youth as possible.  A passionate advocate at many levels, he works to inspire others to engage in community and foster collective action for those in need.

Betsy Sandbothe, Institutional Equity & Compliance   

For Betsy, serving others was instilled at an early age, from 4-H and FFA to just being a part of her family’s cultural upbringing.  From fundraisers, to coaching, to nursing home card campaigns to serving on the Marshfield  Park Board, the activities and impact of her involvement are too numerous to list. Prior to Missouri State, Betsy worked in community corrections. To fill a need gap, she co-created a new non-profit called Reentry & Resources to assist new releasees, gain employment and have better reentry success.  Then 3 years ago, Betsy and her daughter founded Emma’s Homeless Helper Project, Inc. By creating relationships with local groups and businesses, together, they are able to secure needed items, to help combat food and basic need insecurities, for those in the Marshfield area.

Faculty Recipients

(Plaques were presented to faculty recipients at a special presentation held Jan. 29, 2026)

Dr. Chloe Bolyard, College of Education   

Chloe has made a significant impact on the Springfield and Ozarks communities through her volunteer leadership in education, youth development, and outdoor recreation. As a key leader in the Future Educators Program, she supports underrepresented and first‑generation students pursuing teaching careers and works to strengthen the local educator pipeline. Chloe is also the co‑founder and leads the Show‑Me Women Paddlers, which creates an inclusive space for individuals to learn paddle sports, build confidence, and connect with nature. In Scouting America, she serves as an Assistant Cubmaster for Pack 214, AND is an Aquatics Instructor for the National Camping School. Her volunteerism embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and service — cultivating stronger educators, safer outdoor communities, and empowered young leaders.

Dr. Gary Meints, College of Natural & Applied Sciences

For over 2 decades Gary has been spreading his passion for understanding the universe, and wow’ing audiences of all ages about the wonder of science.  He pairs his professional passion, with his strong sense of service to community, to create meaningful connections between youth, educators and mentors.  His goal is to ensure that science is accessible, exciting and relevant to all.  To help accomplish this, he mentors the Central High School Science Olympiad Team, and organizes and presents demonstrations for numerous K–12 schools and regional community events. Respectively known around Springfield as our very own Bill Nye the Science Guy, Gary’s innovative teaching and active demonstrations have inspired a new generation of scientists and created an appreciation of science throughout the community.