WEST PLAINS, Mo. – West Plains native, lifetime farmer and career salesman Terry “Bo” Pace received an honorary Associate of Applied Science degree Saturday, May 20, during Missouri State University-West Plains’ commencement ceremony at the West Plains Civic Center arena.
This is the seventh year an honorary degree has been bestowed by the university. It is designed to recognize extraordinary individuals who have given a substantial part of their lives to serving others and/or who have distinguished themselves, university officials said. It also is designed to establish a public association between Missouri State-West Plains and such exceptional men and women, thereby providing testimony to the values and quality of two-year institutions, officials added.
“Terry Pace – or Bo, as all of us who know him call him – is a true pillar of this community,” said Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett. “One of West Plains’ staunchest champions, he has served as an ambassador for the community through his 40-year career in sales and as an active volunteer for numerous causes and not-for-profit organizations. His avid support of our campus through his service on boards, committees and even as emcee at many of our events make him an honorary Grizzly at all levels. His service to his community epitomizes our public affairs mission, and we are pleased to award him this honorary degree.”
SELFLESS SERVICE TO COMMUNITY
A 1970 graduate of West Plains High School, Pace spent 40 years in sales in the West Plains area, retiring in 2014 from the Ozark Horse Trader. During that time, he compiled a lifelong record of selfless service to his community through his involvement with such organizations as the West Plains High School FFA Alumni Association, the University of Missouri Extension Council and the Cystic Fibrosis Association of West Plains. He also served 12 years on the West Plains R-7 School Board, holding the position of vice president at the time he left office. In addition, he is currently serving as an elder at the First Presbyterian Church in West Plains.
His work on behalf of Missouri State-West Plains through the years has made him a recognizable fixture of the campus community. He has spent many years serving as a member of the Grizzly Booster Club Executive Board of Directors and is currently the board’s president. He, along with his wife Sunie, were one of two local couples who served as co-directors of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Women’s National Volleyball Championship Tournament during its nine-year stay in West Plains. He has served on the 50th Anniversary Gala, Annual Auction and Grizzly Trivia Night committees and lent his voice as emcee at numerous university events, including the 50th Anniversary Dinner, Grizzly Trivia Night, the Annual Auction and alumni dinners.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Pace’s work on behalf of the community hasn’t gone unnoticed. He received the 2004 Chairman’s Award from the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his public service and support of the West Plains community; the 2006 Grizzly Track Award for his exceptional enthusiasm for and extraordinary support of Grizzly Athletics; and the 2015 Distinguished Zizzer Alumnus Award for being a positive role model for students and for having made a positive contribution to society.
A one-time student at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Pace believes that education is key to anyone’s future success, and through his record of service, he has made a significant impact on education at the secondary and post-secondary level in the community, university officials said. By awarding Pace the honorary degree, officials added they are recognizing his many achievements, his commitment to the campus community, and, through his extensive community involvement, his service as a role model for students.