WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Missouri State University-West Plains graduate Mariah Gregg, Thayer, was one of six students who received the 2013-14 Citizen Scholar Award presented today, Dec. 13, by the Missouri State University Board of Governors during its regular meeting in Springfield.
The award, established in fall 2007, is given annually to students “who exemplify the concept of a citizen scholar,” university officials said.
Gregg graduated magna cum laude (3.72 grade point average) with an Associate of Arts in General Studies degree with a Specialization in Honors at Missouri State University-West Plains in May 2012 and transferred to the Missouri State University-Springfield campus where she is a senior philosophy major.
During her time at Missouri State-West Plains, Gregg, a member of the William and Virginia Darr Honors Program, was an active member of the Student Government Association (SGA), Student Ambassador, Tri-Lambda student spirit club, Student Alumni Association (now Future Alumni Organization) and Fine Arts Club, the latter of which she served as president. She also worked as a campus parking attendant, was a member of the Grizzly Event Staff, served as director of the Welcome Week Steering Committee, and served as the SGA chief of staff. Gregg also was active in the community, regularly volunteering at community blood drives, Halloween events such as Trunk-or-Treat, and adopt-a-street programs.
Since transferring to Springfield, Gregg has continued to remain active, working in the Baker Book Store on campus, as a grocery store cashier in that city, and as an involved member of the campus’ honor society and philosophy club.
“Mariah was an outstanding and exceptionally active student at Missouri State-West Plains, and her zeal for learning and serving others has continued at the Springfield campus,” Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett said. “She has most definitely demonstrated the attributes of a citizen scholar and is very deserving of this award.”
Those nominating Gregg for the award noted she epitomizes the key components of a citizen scholar, academically and in public affairs. “She is humble and open-minded, focused, and driven,” said one nominator, pointing out her “enthusiasm, work ethic, discipline and intellectual capabilities will take her far from our campus and, I believe, our world in general will be the better for it.”
“She has shown a great deal of motivation to be involved in the world around her in a variety of ways,” added another nominator. “She also displays a dedication to completing tasks and her obligations. She sticks with her decisions and gets the job done. She has excellent organizational and time management skills that she utilizes to help her succeed academically and in all matters of her life.”
Other recipients of the award this year include Nii Kpakpo Ekow Abrahams, a senior communication major from Joplin, Mo.; Jared Horman, a senior graphic design major from Camdenton, Mo.; Kris Keilty, an MBA student from Rich Fountain, Mo.; Walter Orr, a senior professional writing major from Kansas City, Mo.; and Paige Oxendine, a senior public relations and socio-political communication major from Neosho, Mo.
The Citizen Scholar Award is given to students who have contributed to the university, advanced the university’s public affairs mission, and have significantly engaged in extra-curricular accomplishments and/or in significant service activities to the community. Each recipient receives a crystal globe in recognition of the award, and their names are added to the Citizen Scholar Wall at Plaster Student Union on the Springfield campus.