Principal at Fairview R-XI
West Plains, Missouri
AA, General Studies: Missouri State University-West Plains
BSEd, Bachelor of Science in Education: Missouri State University
MSEd, Educational Administration; EdS, Educational Administration: William Wood University

Leadership Opportunities Helped Me Succeed

When students start college, they can’t always tell where they’re headed. With a variety of degree programs and organizations, there’s a lot of different directions school can take you. But for Amy Petrus, her time as a student at Missouri State University-West Plains meant she was only headed up.

“I feel like the smaller school provided leadership opportunities that helped me be successful,” Petrus said. “The teachers on campus were very hands on with their students. The smaller environment helped me become a better student.”

Like most students who attend Missouri State-West Plains, Petrus chose the school because it was a part of her hometown. When the university provided her with a scholarship for cheerleading, as well as the degree she wanted, it wasn’t difficult for her to summon the pep and spirit needed to succeed.

Enjoy the experience!

Now, Petrus is at the top of her game and taking advantage of those leadership opportunities. She currently cheers on her students and leads change as the principal at Fairview R-XI. “I now get the opportunity to guide students to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals,” she said. Her husband, Darren Petrus, and their daughter, Allie, who is in first grade, help keep her grounded as she strives to make her school and students better.

But the key for new students thinking about attending her alma mater of Missouri State-West Plains, she said, is simply to “enjoy the experience.” Getting an education can be fun by itself.