Long-time Howell County resident and current Presiding Commissioner Mark B. Collins received an honorary Associate of Applied Science degree Thursday, Sept. 24, from Missouri State University-West Plains.
The honorary degree was presented during the State of the University address by MSU System President Clif Smart and MSU-WP Interim Chancellor Dennis Lancaster at the West Plains Civic Center.
Normally, the degree is presented annually during the MSU-WP commencement ceremony in May, but this year’s presentation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the 10th 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.
“An honorary degree given by a college or university is meant to acknowledge and honor the exceptional work or influence of the person receiving that degree. It’s certainly no different with our honorary associate’s degree this year which is being given to Mark Collins,” Lancaster said.
“Over many years now, Mark has shown a work ethic and an interest level well beyond the norm in the affairs of Howell County and, in many respects, southern Missouri. Throughout, Mark and his wife, Ruby, have been influential supporters of Missouri State-West Plains and for our mission of serving the students of this area,” Lancaster added.
A lifetime of public service
Collins has been a loyal public servant and an established elected official of Howell County for 24 years, university officials said. He served as Howell County Southern Commissioner for 11 years before being elected presiding commissioner.
In addition to his assigned duties as presiding commissioner, Collins writes a weekly column for the West Plains Daily Quill that keeps county residents updated on county government issues and budget status.
Collins’ experience in public service extends beyond the county commission. He spent 18 years as a member of the Howell Valley School Board and served on the University of Missouri Howell County Extension Board. He currently serves on the County Commissioners Association of Missouri Board, is the president of the South-Central Region of County Commissioners, and is one of 12 chief elected officials in charge of the Workforce Investment Board for the South-Central Region of Missouri.
Involved in many community activities
Mark and Ruby Collins have been active supporters of MSU-WP for more than a decade, working on such events as the Annual Auction, 50th Anniversary Gala, Sweetheart Auction and Grizzly Trivia Night.
Mark Collins has participated in a variety of community events, as well, including the literacy campaign for local school districts, area civic organizations, Pioneer Days, FFA and FFA alumni, and area advisory boards. He provides opportunities for students to attend state and national conferences and local activities for elementary school groups working with the elderly.
Collins remains an active volunteer in the area through his membership in the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club of West Plains and Elks Lodge. He also serves as a coach for area youth baseball, basketball and football teams.
University officials noted that Collins’ influence as a volunteer has impacted countless businesses and educational groups, including MSU-WP, the Greater Boys & Girls Club of West Plains and West Plains Elementary School.
In addition to public service, Collins and his wife, Ruby, co-own Rubydoo’s Vintage Event Center in West Plains.
By awarding Collins an honorary degree, university officials said they are recognizing his many years of humble service and dedication to MSU-WP and Howell County, as a whole, making it a better place to live.