Students honored at Celebration of Leaders - News - Missouri State University-West Plains

Awards and accolades abounded when faculty, staff and students at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) gathered April 18 for the Celebration of Leaders student awards ceremony at the West Plains Civic Center.

The annual event recognizes students for a variety of academic and leadership achievements and serves as the installation service for the new Student Government Association (SGA) president and vice president for the upcoming academic year.

Sworn in during the SGA transfer of power ceremony were 2024-2025 SGA President Morgan “Mo” Totty and Vice President Heath Johnson, both of West Plains. The officers were sworn in by 2023-2024 SGA President Trent Stine, West Plains.

Public Affairs Fellow Awards

Another highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Public Affairs Fellow Awards. The awards recognize students for advancing the university’s public affairs mission both on and off campus and demonstrating ethical leadership, civic engagement and cultural awareness. Students receiving the “distinguished” designation go above and beyond in their efforts to advance the university’s public affairs mission. This year, the Distinguished Public Affairs Fellow Award was given to Reese Morrison, Willow Springs. The awards are sponsored and selected by the Public Affairs Committee.

Reese Morrison, left, Willow Springs, received the Distinguished Public Affairs Fellow Award at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) annual Celebration of Leaders student awards ceremony April 18 at the West Plains Civic Center. The Distinguished Fellow of Public Affairs Award is given to a student who goes above and beyond in her efforts to advance the university’s public affairs mission both on and off campus by demonstrating ethical leadership, civic engagement and cultural awareness. The award is sponsored and selected by the Faculty Senate’s Public Affairs Committee. She received her award from Public Affairs Committee Chair Ana Estrella. (MSU-WP Photo)

Other awards and their recipients included:

Campus Service Award – Mahder (Maddie) Jay, Lebanon
Multicultural/International Leadership Award – Caroline Glatkowski, Erfurt, Germany
Outstanding Corps of Opportunity Award – Sophia Keeney, Van Buren
First Generation Award – Kaydence Brown, West Plains
Faculty Mentor Award – Dr. Gary Phillips, professor of communication
Staff Appreciation Award – Thora Broyles, preparatory math specialist
Outstanding Student Employee of the Year Award – Hannah Smith, Alton
Outstanding Student Ambassador Award – Sophia Keeney, Van Buren, and Caitlyn McNew, Mtn. View
Student Ambassador Rising Star Award – Kennedy Eckley, Dixon
Community Service Award – Kennedy Eckley, Dixon
Outstanding Resident of the Year Award – Reuben Henderson, Dixon
Resident Assistant of the Year Award – Callie Harmon, Rolla
Outstanding Cheer Team Student Athlete of the Year – Mattison Williams, Iberia
Outstanding Volleyball Student Athlete of the Year – Kaitlyn Aleshire, Chicago, Illinois
Outstanding Basketball Student Athlete of the Year – Carlos Paul, Southfield, Michigan
Outstanding Softball Student Athlete of the Year – Zoey Williams, West Plains
Outstanding Esports Athlete of the Year – Dalton Ball, West Plains
Outstanding Academic Achievement and Leadership Award – Faith Collins, Alton
Outstanding Student Leader Award – Melia Wiehe, West Plains

Photos of all the winners can be found in the 2024 Celebration of Leaders photo album on the MSU-WP Facebook page, Facebook.com/MissouriStateWP.