When Haley O’Brien first visited Missouri State University in fall 2020, she knew she had found her home.

“I grew up in Marion, Iowa, but I knew I wanted to study out of state,” she said. “When I walked onto [the Missouri State] campus, I fell in love with the environment.

“The handwritten acceptance letter I received also made me feel like I was more than just a number here,” she added. “It felt like a community.”

And so, from the middle of Iowa to MSU, O’Brien has spent the past four years carving out her path in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Her passion for advocacy and restorative justice, combined with her education at MSU, shaped O’Brien’s journey. She now feels equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

O’Brien graduated in December 2024 with a degree in criminology, a minor in sociology and certificates in victim advocacy, criminal courts and family and juvenile support services.

Learning by doing

O’Brien said the hands-on experiences MSU provided enriched her education and prepared her “for real-world challenges.”

For example, O’Brien interned at the Greene County Youth Academy. While there, she worked with juveniles in the justice system, helped with schoolwork, and provided emotional support. O’Brien was also a substitute teacher with Springfield Public Schools.

Recently, O’Brien became a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer for southwest Missouri. She said she applied “the second I turned 21.” CASA requires that volunteers be at least 21.

She has since been assigned her first case to support a foster child in court.

Professors inspiring and supportive

O’Brien credits her professors at MSU with introducing her to these learning experiences.

“My professors, like Caryn Saxon, encouraged me to explore real-world opportunities,” O’Brien said. “They’ve been incredibly supportive, helping me grow not just academically but personally too.”

As far as favorite classes, O’Brien singled out CRM 435 Evidence. Taught by Dr. Jennifer LaPrade, associate professor of criminology, the class is a trial-based course on evidence. During the course, students act as attorneys and witnesses, building cases and presenting them before a mock judge.

The class gave O’Brien firsthand insight into courtroom dynamics. “It was nerve-wracking but empowering,” she said.

Leading with heart

Outside the classroom, O’Brien embraced leadership roles, including serving as president of the honor society, Phi Sigma Pi, and participating in the Ursa Major program to welcome new students to campus.

“Helping first-year students find their footing, especially those who were nervous about leaving home, was incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Looking ahead

O’Brien plans to continue her advocacy work and aims to pursue a paralegal certificate at the University of Cincinnati.

“I hope to work with families and the criminal court system, focusing on restorative justice,” she said. “I’m excited to keep growing and finding new ways to make an impact.”

O’Brien credits the university’s supportive environment for her success.

“Being far from home was daunting at first, but I found refuge in the MSU community,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here. This place shaped who I am and gave me a sense of purpose.”

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