Name:  Sage Roush

Hometown:  West Plains, MO

Currently Resides:  Springfield, MO

Occupation:  Green County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

All Degrees Received:  Associate of Science in Business, Missouri State University-West Plains, 2017; Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Administration, Missouri State University, 2019; Juris Doctorate, Regent University School of Law, 2022

Missouri State-West Plains laid the foundation for Sage’s career.

Like many students before him, Sage Roush chose to attend Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) because it was close to home and more affordable than other options. “I was born and raised in West Plains, and it was a cheaper option than packing up and moving to another city,” he explained.

And, like other students before him, that choice has given him the foundation to build a successful career. “Missouri State-West Plains was my start. It laid the foundation for skills that would later develop to serve me in law school and my current job,” he said.

“It was the first time I felt my life had just started.”

Sage developed his leadership skills during his tenure as vice president of the Student Government Association. Those skills were put to the test in April 2017 when flash flooding affected many of his fellow students who lived in the Grizzly Lofts residence hall. He was one of many people during that time who stepped up to help the students who lost everything they owned in the flooding.

“That helped me develop my passion for public service, which would eventually motivate me to work towards the job I currently have,” he explained. “I can honestly say I would not be where I’m at, serving the community in the capacity that I am, without first going to MSU-WP.”

He also developed socialization skills at MSU-WP, which have been very beneficial in his interactions with others in the community and in the political realm.

Sage said his greatest professional accomplishment, to this point, is graduating law school and passing the Missouri Bar. “But my career is just starting, so we’ll see what the future holds,” he added.

“Remember that your past or your upbringing does not define who you are now.”

Sage stressed that current and future students at MSU-WP should not let their past affect the pursuit of their goals and dreams.

“A bad high school experience or a few bad grads will not affect your potential. I graduated near the bottom of my high school class, and no one cares. It had no effect on my career. Even at MSU-WP no one cared that I didn’t get straight A’s or wasn’t part of some group. What mattered most to folks was how I was able to help them now,” he said.

“When applying for Green County Prosecutor, they never asked about my bad grades or upbringing. They only wanted to know who I could effectively serve the community,” he added.

“Lastly, give 100% of your effort in whatever you do, and remember to take care of yourself,” Sage said. “If you’re struggling with anything, it’s okay to ask for help. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, it’s okay to seek professional help.”