With a new degree in hand and a passion for change, Missouri State University alumna Cheri Montgomery is committed to improving accessibility and empowering people with disabilities.

Spurred on by her desire to advocate for the disabled community, Montgomery enrolled in MSU’s master’s program in communication in 2022 and graduated in spring 2024.

Montgomery had previously worked as a nurse specializing in special needs/disabled pediatrics for about 20 years, but she could not continue and decided to pursue graduate studies instead.

“I had to stop working as a nurse because my condition changed from walking to needing a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery cited high-performing students, a convenient location, affordability and the institution’s commitment to quality education as factors influencing her choice to attend.

Also, having children who graduated from MSU made her a longstanding supporter of the university.

Commitment to inclusion

Since graduating in the spring, Montgomery has dedicated herself to advocating for people with disabilities.

“My history is with pediatric disability, so I’m staying committed to advocating for an inclusive society,” Montgomery said. “There are no reasons for anyone to be left behind.”

Currently, she works with Rides 4 Ability, a company that provides non-emergency transportation for those with or without disabilities, particularly in rural areas. The organization serves people of all ages, helping them get to medical appointments, meetings, grocery stores and more.

“I do administrative work like updating contracts and applying for new ones. We’re currently applying to establish a contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,” Montgomery said.

She enjoys the services of Empower: abilities, a Springfield nonprofit offering services that empower people with disabilities to thrive in the community.

“This organization helps disabled people in various ways such as house modifications — building ramps and installing grab bars in bathrooms and showers. They helped me find employment with Rides 4 Ability,” Montgomery said.

She described a current initiative of Rides 4 Ability that trains individuals to evaluate restaurants, providing them $15 for their efforts.

The evaluations cover aspects like wheelchair accessibility of doors and bathrooms, respectful treatment by wait staff and the presence of accessible sidewalks to the restaurant.

“They’re compiling a database of disability-friendly restaurants in Springfield. This effort will enhance the dining experiences of individuals with disabilities, enabling them to enjoy meals with friends and family,” she said.

Montgomery has received her training and awaits the opportunity to participate in the survey.

Impactful mentorship and academic support

Montgomery praised her experience in MSU’s communication program. She noted her professors were supportive and encouraged her aspiration to integrate academics with creativity, writing and poetry.

“I particularly connected with Dr. Gordana Lazic and Dr. Christopher Collins,” Montgomery said.

Both are assistant professors in the Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film.

“They encouraged me to explore my creativity. It’s something I’ve always had, but my generation didn’t prioritize it. There was more emphasis on professions like doctor, lawyer or engineer, rather than being a writer,” Montgomery said. “Exploring my creativity felt incredibly rewarding and refreshing.”

Montgomery participated in Lazic’s Social Movement Communication (COM 660) class, which she found to be engaging and thought-provoking.

“I had never considered things the way she taught them, so it was very enlightening for me to see the world from a different perspective instead of my own,” Montgomery said.

“Through that class, I learned to try to see others — their struggles, the barriers they have to break through — with an open mind and that touched me in many ways.”

Collins was Montgomery’s academic advisor. He introduced her to Black female poets and other powerful speakers such as Patricia Smith, from whom Montgomery draws inspiration.

Montgomery is now writing a collection of poems and is hoping for publication.

“These poems will explore the small town where I was born, which created and shaped my identity as an American Black woman,” Montgomery said.

“Fairytales are the narratives of our history and my poems are the roads leading to my existence.”

Breaking through barriers

The university provided Montgomery with various accommodations, with the Disability Resource Center checking in to offer additional testing time and adjustable tables.

Professors were also accommodating, allowing her to join classes via Zoom if attendance in person was not possible.

“One of my major goals was to stand up and walk for graduation and they helped me to do that. They worked with my physical therapist to help me stand and take a few steps to get my degree,” Montgomery said.

“I’m grateful to the university and the disability department for helping me achieve that goal and break through barriers.”

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