World War II veteran, former postmaster and life-long West Plains resident Jack McNevin received an honorary Associate of Applied Science degree Saturday, May 19, during Missouri State University-West Plains’ commencement ceremony at the West Plains Civic Center arena.
This is the eighth 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.
“Throughout his life, Jack McNevin has epitomized our public affairs mission through his selfless service to his country and his community,” said Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett.
“He put his life on the line for his fellow Americans during World War II. He returned to his hometown to serve his friends and neighbors at the local post office for over 30 years. And, he continues to serve this community honorably through his active involvement in numerous church activities, civic organizations and community initiatives,” Bennett said.
“His long-time support of Missouri State University-West Plains through the Grizzly Booster Club and generous donations toward scholarships have revealed him to be a true friend of the university and its educational mission,” the chancellor added. “It is with great admiration and pleasure that we award Jack McNevin this honorary degree.”
A History of Distinguished Service
McNevin joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943 and was stationed in the Pacific theatre through 1946, earning a Purple Heart during his service.
He returned home and was employed by the United States Postal Service at the West Plains Post Office for 33 years, retiring in 1979 as postmaster. He was an active member and president of the Missouri Postmasters Association and was an active member of the National Postmaster Association during his tenure with the postal service.
An Advocate for Education
Understanding the importance of higher education, McNevin encouraged all four of his daughters to attend classes at Missouri State-West Plains. Two earned degrees through Missouri State University in Springfield, and one served as a per course math instructor at Missouri State-West Plains.
McNevin continues to advocate for education today by supporting the endowed scholarship he and his late wife, Marian, established at Missouri State-West Plains in 2006. The scholarship, which receives annual contributions from his daughters, provides multiple awards to deserving students each year. Because of his significant financial contributions, McNevin has been awarded membership in Missouri State University’s Founder’s Club.
He remains an active member of the Grizzly Booster Club and the Friends of the Garnett Library, and he continues to be a familiar face at many university-sponsored activities and events. He also helps organize the annual Grizzly Basketball Toy Toss Classic to inspire students to give back to the community through the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign.
McNevin has spent a lifetime working towards the betterment of his community as a volunteer, Rotarian and church elder. He was presented the key to the City of West Plains for his involvement in the Marine Corps League and was honored by the Marine Corps in 2010 for his work with Toys for Tots.
By awarding McNevin an honorary degree, university officials said they are recognizing his many achievements, his life-long commitment to bettering his community and his service as a role model for students.