WEST PLAINS, Mo. – In the spirit of those who established Missouri State University-West Plains nearly 50 years ago, campus officials presented local businesswoman and former Missouri State University Board of Governor’s member Mary Sheid with the prestigious Granvil Vaughan Founder’s Award during Saturday’s Missouri State-West Plains commencement ceremonies at the West Plains Civic Center.

The award, named in honor of the campus’ founder, the late Missouri State Rep. Granvil Vaughan, was presented to Sheid by Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett.  The award is given annually at commencement to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact upon the mission of Missouri State-West Plains.

“Not only is Mary Sheid passionate about Missouri State University-West Plains, she channels that passion into active, continuous and significant support,” said Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett.  “She is a former member and president of the Missouri State University Board of Governors, a Grizzly Booster, a generous donor, a volunteer, a recruiter, and an unfailing advocate for our campus.  Regardless of the measure – consistency, time, dollars, number of projects or results – Mary Sheid shines as an example of support.  Her efforts have helped build our campus, impacting countless students, faculty and staff, and she is extremely deserving of this award.”

University officials said Sheid is someone who truly represents the spirit of Missouri State-West Plains, pointing out she has been a long-time contributing member of the community and the campus.

Sheid served on the Missouri State University Board of Governors from 2002 to November 2011, during which time Missouri State-West Plains saw a 24.5 percent increase in population and a total of $5.9 million in donations.  As a governor, she was a very visible presence on the Missouri State-West Plains campus and consistently went above and beyond what was expected of her, university officials pointed out.  She freely gave her time and her energy toward improving the campus and the university system and has left a mark on the system for years to come, they added.

Officials also praised Sheid for her leadership among her colleagues and peers in supporting Missouri State-West Plains, serving as a charter member of the Philanthropic Women for Education group, whose members show their passion for education through donations to the university.  She also has been a key supporter of and contributor to the annual fund and a sponsor of numerous Grizzly Basketball and Volleyball tournaments and games throughout the programs’ history.

In addition, she has established many scholarships in honor of family and friends and assisted with the establishment of several others during her term on the board.  Sheid and her staff at Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic also made a generous donation to fund the Mindy Lahey Hughston classroom in Looney Hall.

Sheid served as a liaison to the campus’ development board and currently serves as a trustee on the Missouri State University Foundation board.