Law School Student at Texas A&M University School of Law
Dallas, Texas
AA, General Studies: Missouri State-West Plains
BS, Business Administration: University of Missouri
“My experience at Missouri State-West Plains in one word is: community.”
Nicole Rieken chose Missouri State University-West Plains because she was unsure about what career path she wanted to pursue; however, she is sure that it gave her the chance to take classes in multiple subject areas to find what she was passionate about.
While a student at Missouri State-West Plains, Rieken was involved in a variety of organizations that allowed her to meet and bond with new people. In her first two years, Rieken was an Student Ambassador who hosted campus events, tours and high school visits. She utilized this position, as well as a role in the university communications office, to build lasting friendships with students, faculty and staff at the school.
“I was challenged academically,” Rieken said, “but more importantly, I found an incredible group of people at Missouri State-West Plains who welcomed me and became my close friends… Even though I graduated a few years ago, I still find myself coming back to visit everyone and watch the campus continue to grow.”
“I also gained confidence during my two years.”
With so much to choose from, and so many options, Rieken took the time to try her hand at teaching, as well as business, but ultimately said, “I needed my two years at Missouri State-West Plains to figure out the best degree for me.” While Rieken was unsure about her future career goals when she started school, she had newfound confidence when she said, “Most importantly though, Missouri State-West Plains pushed me to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer.”
Now, Rieken is a student at Texas A&M University School of Law in Fort Worth. She credits her time in the William and Virginia Darr Honors Program at Missouri State University-West Plains to helping her obtain a vaunted summer associate position at Gardere, a law firm in Dallas, Texas.
“The honors program showed me how to listen, question, and analyze problems in a whole new way, and it has benefitted me greatly during law school and in life,” she said. “I think of my time spent in the program often during law school and the ways Dr. (Dennis) Lancaster challenged us.”
Rieken offered some parting advice for prospective and current students: “First, I would tell the student to take advantage of the great academic programs at the university, specifically the honors program. But, I would also tell the prospective student about the powerful impact Missouri State-West Plains had on me and my career choice. Missouri State-West Plains is an essential building block in the foundation of my education and challenged me academically and personally.”