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Black History Month: A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Possibilities

February 1, 2025 by Callie S. Baker

February is more than just another month, it’s a time of reflection, recognition, and celebration. Black History Month honors the resilience, brilliance, and impact of Black individuals throughout history. This month is an important reminder of how far we’ve come, how much we’ve overcome, and how much work still lies ahead. 

At Missouri State University, diversity is not just a word, it’s a commitment. This month gives us a chance to not only acknowledge Black history but to actively engage with it, learn from it, and carry its lessons forward. 

More Than a Month, More Than a Moment 

Black history is often reduced to a handful of names and events, but its influence runs far deeper. That influence is found in the creativity of artists, innovation of scientists, the leadership of activists, and everyday excellence of Black individuals pushing boundaries in every field. 

From the civil rights movement to present-day advocacy, Black change-makers have continuously shaped history. And that history is not just something to study, it’s something to live. Right here at MSU, Black students, faculty, and staff are making history in real-time, breaking barriers, leading organizations, and driving change on campus and beyond. 

The Power of Acknowledgment and Action 

Representation matters, but representation alone isn’t enough. True progress happens when we move beyond acknowledgment and take real action. That means creating spaces where Black voices are heard, where Black achievements are celebrated, and where systemic barriers are actively dismantled. 

This month, challenge yourself to do more than just observe. Engage. Educate yourself. Support Black businesses. Attend campus events. Have real conversations about race, equity, and inclusion. Most importantly, carry that energy beyond February because Black history is being made every single day. 

Ways to Get Involved This Month (and Beyond) 

Show Up & Learn – Attend events that highlight Black culture, history, and contributions. Listen to speakers, join discussions, and engage with new perspectives. 

Support Black Creators & Businesses – Whether it’s a local Black-owned business, an independent artist, or a content creator, your support makes a difference. 

Educate Yourself – Read books by Black authors, watch documentaries, and explore history that often is not taught in textbooks. Knowledge is power. 

Speak Up – Advocate for inclusivity, challenge bias, and amplify Black voices in your everyday conversations and spaces. 

A Collective Responsibility 

Black History Month is not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward. It’s about recognizing the contributions of the past while actively shaping a future where equity, representation, and opportunity exist for everyone. 

At MSU, we have the power to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated not just in February but every single day. Let’s make that commitment together! 

– Christabel Ghansah, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, SGA 

Filed Under: Blogs, Commissions, Committees, Diversity & Public Affairs, Public Relations

2025 Elections Season Information

January 21, 2025 by Callie S. Baker

The 2025 Student Body Election season is officially underway! Here’s everything you need to know to stay informed this semester. 

Each spring, we elect a new Student Body President and Vice President, who also serve as the President and Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA). Additionally, we elect a Senior Class President, a key role in engaging and supporting the senior class throughout their final year at Missouri State University. Each ticket also includes a campaign manager to support their campaign process.  

Candidates for these positions will begin their campaigns soon, so keep an eye out for their announcements. To appear on the ballot, those running for Student Body President and Vice President must collect 500 signatures from MSU students. Senior Class President candidates must gather 200 signatures. You may be approached to sign a candidate’s petition—this simply allows their ticket to appear on the ballot for the election. 

Once the candidates qualify, campaigning will begin. There will be many opportunities to hear the candidates’ platforms and decide who you believe will best serve Missouri State. Candidates will launch their social media accounts, and a debate will take place on March 11th at 7:00 PM in Plaster Student Union Room 313. “Blitz Week,” starting on March 28th, will provide a dedicated time for candidates to actively promote their tickets across campus. During this week, they can engage with students, hang banners, chalk sidewalks, and more. 

Voting will take place from April 7th at 8:00 AM to April 11th at 5:00 PM via My.MissouriState.com. Along with casting your vote for candidates, you’ll also have the chance to approve updates to the SGA Constitution—the governing document for the organization. The ballot will also include Wyrick Proposals, which are construction projects aimed at improving our campus. 

Election results and the outcomes of the proposals will be announced on the evening of April 11th. 

Make your voice heard this election season and help shape the future of Missouri State University! 

Filed Under: Blogs, Campus Information, Commissions, Committees, Elections Commission, MSU Community, Press Release, Public Relations, SGA News, University & Civic Advancement

SGA Gathers Support for Sustainability Minor

April 25, 2012 by Paige Oxendine

Missouri State’s Student Government Association has recently adopted a resolution in support of adding a minor in Sustainability to current course offerings.

Support for the minor comes at a time when sustainability-related careers are considered to be a high-growth area, and the addition of a sustainability minor would allow Missouri State to remain competitive with many other universities with similar offerings.

If adopted, the minor would be accessible to students of all majors, and would be made up of different tracks that students could pursue. All students would finish their requirements with a capstone course relating to sustainability.

For more information, please contact Paige Oxendine, Chief Communications Officer, at Oxendine100@live.missouristate.edu.

Filed Under: Campus Information, MSU Community, Press Release, Public Relations, SGA News, Sustainability Committee

SGA Unanimously Suggests Abolishment of Plus/Minus Grading

March 7, 2012 by Paige Oxendine

After months of research on behalf of Student Government Association members, a resolution asking for the abolishment of the Plus/Minus grading system was passed with unanimous consent during the February 28, 2012 senate meeting.

Drafted by the Academic Affairs Committee, the resolution draws upon data gathered by Missouri State University in addition to the results of a student poll hosted by SGA. Over 1500 students responded to SGA’s Plus/Minus poll, with the overwhelming majority of students stating that they would favor the removal of the Plus/Minus grading system.

Introduced in the fall of 2009, the Plus/Minus system was aimed primarily at reducing grade inflation. However, data from Office of Institutional Research indicates that implementing the system led to the largest instance of year-to-year inflation of mean undergraduate cumulative GPA in 10 years.

Student Government Association members approved the strongly worded resolution unanimously in hopes of indicating to faculty how strongly the majority of the student body feels in regards to the current system.

The next step for SGA is to present the resolution to Missouri State’s Faculty Senate, where faculty members will have the opportunity to hear from student representatives and provide feedback on the resolution.

For more information, please contact Paige Oxendine, Chief Communications Officer, at Oxendine100@live.missouristate.edu

Filed Under: Academic Affairs, Campus Information, MSU Community, Press Release, Public Relations, SGA News

SGA Completes Busy Semester

December 8, 2011 by Paige Oxendine

Missouri State’s Student Government Association has recently wrapped up a busy fall semester, which included the passage of over a dozen resolutions pertaining to the student body.

A few highlights of SGA’s work this past semester include the placement of a printer for student use in the lower level of the Plaster Student Union, the allocation of funds for nine additional bike racks on campus, and the adoption of the Civility Movement at Missouri State. The Student Government Association also recommended the MSU Bookstore begin carrying Fair Trade BearWear, asked professors to make course syllabi available to students prior to registration, expressed support for universal design across campus, and suggested changes to the student seating policy in JQH Arena.

Next semester will be just as busy for the organization, with many projects already underway. SGA plans to carry on with work done this semester relating to the plus/minus system currently in place on campus, possibly asking administrators to repeal the policy. The organization also plans to continue working with University officials to implement an additional BearLine route that would run from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights. A third project to be completed next semester involves the lack of proper lighting on Madison Street, where many students walk to and from class. SGA approached City Utilities about the issue, who has now pledged to install at least one additional streetlight in the area.

Student Government Association will also be hosting their annual Jefferson City Showcase this spring, in which SGA members spend the day at the Capitol speaking to legislators and informing them of SGA’s work on campus.
For more information, please contact Paige Oxendine, Chief Communications Officer, at Oxendine100@live.missouristate.edu.

Filed Under: Campus Information, MSU Community, Press Release, Public Relations, SGA News

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