A total of 290 students will be candidates for graduation from Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) during the 2025 commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, at the West Plains Civic Center.
This includes 264 students who are eligible for associate degrees and 26 who are eligible for certificates.
In addition, 103 students will be candidates for graduation from Missouri State University-Springfield. Several graduate and undergraduate programs are available at the West Plains campus through the Missouri State Outreach program. Nineteen students will be eligible to receive master’s degrees, and 84 will be eligible for bachelor’s degrees.
The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the civic center arena. It also will be livestreamed. Visit WP.MissouriState.edu/Commencement to access the livestream link the afternoon of the event.
DESE commissioner will serve as commencement speaker
Dr. Karla Eslinger, former state senator and current commissioner for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), will be the guest speaker at this year’s event.
Eslinger brings more than 30 years of experience in education and public service to this year’s ceremony. Her distinguished career includes roles as an elementary teacher, building principal and superintendent in Ava and West Plains.
She also has filled leadership positions at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), provided technical assistance to the U.S. Department of Education, and served as a senior analyst for AEM Corporation in Washington, D.C.
Most recently, Dr. Eslinger represented District 33 in the Missouri Senate from 2021-2024, following a term in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2019-2020.
Members of the 2025 graduating class, their hometowns and the degrees and certificates they will be receiving are listed below:
Missouri State University-West Plains
2024-2025 Graduates
Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture
MISSOURI
Ava: Celia Deann Fossett
Green Ridge: Samuel David Woolery II
Houston: Rhease Danyelle Manier
Lee’s Summit: Alexis Noel Jennings
Mountain View: Marcus Aurelius Sanchez-Ortiz
West Plains: Kennedy Shae Evans
Associate of Applied Science in Business – Accounting
ARKANSAS
Mountain Home: Shannon Marie Kramer
Associate of Applied Science in Business – Management
MISSOURI
Bunker: Alexandria Marie Sanders
Lebanon: Haley Grace McBride
Mansfield: Shaely Dawn Lea Wilson
Warrensburg: Gracie Robin Compton
Associate of Applied Science in Child and Family Development
MISSOURI
Houston: Victoria Irene Narancich
Koshkonong: Hope Rachelle Judd
West Plains: Stacy Nicole Phillips Hutchinson, Amber Lynn Kirkpatrick
Associate of Applied Science in Community Behavioral Health Support
MISSOURI
West Plains: Melany Hanna Grinstaff
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Graphics Programming
MISSOURI
Thornfield: William Bruce Crowder Cole
Willow Springs: Viv Pixel Iacovleva
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary and Hospitality Management
MISSOURI
Chillicothe: Deanna Robin Beaman
Associate of Applied Science in Enology
MISSOURI
Washington: Nicholas Paul Schumacher
VIRGINIA
Dyke: Phillip John Fassieux
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
MISSOURI
West Plains: Mary Elisabeth Mason
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Medical Assistant
MISSOURI
Jefferson City: Melissa Marie Buckner
Mountain View: Tatyana P. Plyushcheva
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Medical Coding
ARKANSAS
Bald Knob: Karlee A. Wood
Flippin: Patricia Dawn Wood
MISSOURI
Bunker: Jacob Allen Gordon
Dora: Allison Josephine Helton
Houston: Natasha Marie Myrick
West Plains: Samantha Marie Spencer
Winona: Dana Michelle Wakefield
Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Leadership – Culinary Arts
MISSOURI
West Plains: Zena Lee Marshell
Associate of Applied Science in Technology – General Technology
MISSOURI
West Plains: Jacob Tanner Nousch
Associate of Arts in Child and Family Development
MISSOURI
Koshkonong: Hope Rachelle Judd
West Plains: Stacy Nicole Phillips Hutchinson
TEXAS
Canton: Tiffany Suzanne Franke
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice – Criminology
MISSOURI
Birch Tree: Reece Rodney Walton
Associate of Arts in Criminology
MISSOURI
Marshfield: Savannah Lee Deckard
Mountain View: Ava Nicole Greenan
West Plains: Annastasia Phoenix Tucker
Associate of Arts in General Studies
ARUBA
Oranjestad: Charlson Joshuald Croes
ONTARIO, CANADA
Toronto: Javian Vernon Sinclair Downey
POLAND
Grajewo: Wiktoria Jakubik
Olkusz: Maja Monika Bochenek
ARKANSAS
Flippin: Cheyanne Elizabeth Merkel
FLORIDA
Hollywood: Ryan Michael Richardson
ILLINOIS
Aurora: Kaitlyn Paige Aleshire
MARYLAND
Laurel: Ethan Samuel Maurice Smith
MISSOURI
Alton: Kinzie Deeann AraSmith
Ava: Mackinley Allison Hope Goss
Bernie: Brydon Lynn Maddox
Birch Tree: Harly Howell Bettis, Alexander Thomas Shaw
Cabool: Jessica Elizabeth Brill, Ella Lauren Porter
Caulfield: Shelby Elizabeth Davidson, Kaylei Rae Tucker
Dora: Callen Elizabeth DePriest
Eminence: Ashton David Alley-Cutts, Deacon Bryan Stewart, Brielle Paige Vincent
Gainesville: Olivia Rose Wittkofski
Gatewood: Faith Abigail Harris
Hardenville: Emily Elizabeth Green
Lebanon: Haley Grace McBride
Licking: Allie Marie Decker, Cole Cooper Wallace
Lynchburg: Anabelle R. Hitt
Mansfield: Macie Nicole Tate
Mountain Grove: Elle June Carroll, Merry Elizabeth Irene Ice, Kayli Deann Shannon
Mountain View: Nicolas Barraza Ortiz, Korinne Grace Goodchild, Catalina Pokorny
Myrtle: Hannah Deann Shields
Phillipsburg: Gibson Claire Beckler
Pomona: Rebekah Lea Ann Crosser
Pottersville: Regan Paige McGinnis
Rogersville: Gloria Patricia Alvarado
Seymour: Emmi Laken Tucker
Solo: Gracie Lynette Campbell
Springfield: Tara Beth Dooms, Logan James Wood, Allison Faith Woolsey
Sullivan: Alexis Lea Funkhouser
Summersville: Kailey Grace Bradley
Thayer: Griffin R. Willison, Jackson R. Willison
West Plains: Calvin Chase Barry, Chrystal Rain Bean, Taylor Lynn Cobb, Autumn Elizabeth Collins, Hosea Joel Davis, Taylor Dawn Hall, Addison Paige Hunter, Chloe Grace Luck, Hannah Elizabeth Grace Mattsfield, Jacob Brennan McGee, Macy Rae Meeks, Jacqueline Danielle Minton, Emma Grace Murray, Kandra Painter, Natalie Rose Paulman, Kayla Marie Pearson, Madisyn Lone Perkins, Jordan Scott Romans, Austin Jacob Row, Merritt Justin Silva, Morgan P. Totty, Kristopher Harley Wall, Melia Nicole Wiehe
Williamsville: Trey Martin Porter
Willow Springs: Adele Petrovna Kharitonova, Mace Anthony Miller, Reese Avery Morrison, Julie Victorovna Sidorovich
TEXAS
Irving: Lionel Ngombe Kumwimba
Associate of Arts in Health Professions
MISSOURI
Bakersfield: Averie Lynn Maynard
East Prairie: Kennedy Bryant Cogdill
Gainesville: Gwendolyn Hannah Broderick
Strafford: Evan Lloyd Helton
West Plains: Elijah Michael McGinley
Willow Springs: Olivia Grace Wood
Associate of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education
MISSOURI
Cabool: Samuel Austin Senf, Samantha Leann Turnbull, Makalah Sue Watson
Conway: Carlie Stark
Dora: Callen DePriest
Houston: Jessica Lynn Dzurick, Madison Nicole Reed
Moody: Makenna Kaylynn Laticia Taylor
Mountain View: Kenzie Mae Daniels, Emily Lynn Jennings
Republic: Anna Jo Stulce
Salem: Yadira Blanco
Thayer: Mackenzie Therese Osmun, Samantha Leigh Stockle
Thornfield: Sheila Lee Scott
West Plains: Tesla Mari Buxbaum, Kiersten Nicole Shelley, Jordyn Belle Sigman, Remington Lee Supancic, Lilly Robin-Lynn Thompson, Lianna Makayla Ward
Willow Springs: Morgan Elizabeth Breidt, Sierra Kae Brower, Stacie Rachelle Johnson, Mahaylee Grace Sunshine McDaniel
Winona: Kailyn Marie Burton
Associate of Science in Agriculture
MISSOURI
Alton: Hannah Redburn Smith
Eminence: Kylie Neva Mahan
Norwood: Hayden Shea Garn
Pomona: Gabrielle Pauline Gunter, Matthew Doran McEntire
West Plains: Trista Leanne Pinnon
Vanzant: Abigail Grace Whittier
Associate of Science in Business
MISSOURI
Branson: Abigail Lorain Mulnik
Caulfield: Matthew Olen Mayberry
Gainesville: Kadyn Doss Hayes
Lebanon: Haley Grace McBride
Mountain View: Owen Brian Roberts
Niangua: Ashley Lyn Stephens
Ozark: Brooklyn Jade Hasler
Salem: Caleb James Ingram
West Plains: Crystal Fenske, Reece Kenneth Hickson, Sara Elaine Horstman, Heath Davis Johnson, Landen Dean Johnson, Yelyzaveta Liedovska, Ethan George Mainprize
Willow Springs: Reuben Borisovich Belinskiy, Drake S. Marshell
OKLAHOMA
Norman: Elizabeth Sue Schroeder
Associate of Science in Engineering Technology – Pre-Engineering
MISSOURI
Ava: Jhonn Myle Salutes Rhodes
Associate of Science in Information Technology
MISSOURI
Willow Springs: Drake S. Marshell
Associate of Science in Nursing
ARKANSAS
Bentonville: Audrey Elizabeth Byrd
Camp: Cassidy Lane Walling
Henderson: Mackinah Lee Friend
Mountain Home: Amanda Lynn Harvey
Pocahontas: Sarah Faye Adams
Sage: Alli Ann Marlin
CALIFORNIA
Pleasant Hill: Nataliia Pokrovska
KANSAS
Abilene: Dana Elizabeth Sellens
MISSOURI
Arnold: Nicole Marie Huighe
Aurora: Diana Allain Morris
Ava: Morgan Taylor Clements
Cabool: Alexis Faith Hurst, Athena Star McCart
Campbell: Michelle Dawn Johnson
Cape Girardeau: Erica Brianne Beard, Chelsea Lauren Lane, Lindsey Renee Moyers
Crane: Lillie Marie McMenamy
Drury: Kaitlyn Nicole Thompson
Florence: Alyssia Nichole Schmidt
Houston: MaKenzie Collean Richards
Independence: Madison Phelps, Ashli Nicole Wells
Isabella: Kodi William Shockey
Jackson: Cody Thomas Gills
Kansas City: Erin Michelle Kelly
Kennett: Jessica Marie Smith
Kidder: Stephanie LeAnn Nixdorf
Kingdom City: Reyna Brooklyn Cash
Koshkonong: Morgan Renae Phipps
Lebanon: Mahder Craig Jay
Mansfield: Keyera Dream Cornelison
Moberly: Naarah Beth Walker
Moody: Kayla Ann Yeager
Mountain View: Melissa Anne Nugent
Nixa: Brendn David Burks
Ozark: McCartney Louise Bess
Pomona: Gracie Alexis Rothermich
Rocheport: Susannah Frazier
Rogersville: Tristen Cailin Bowden
Saint Charles: Sheena Mediconi
Sedalia: Shasta Nicole Balke
Springfield: Kyndall Dominique Jade Bunch, Micah Grulkey, Toni Lynn Newton, Caitlyn Rose Sisco, Logan James Wood
Stover: Corin Rachel Black
Strafford: Sean A. Lewis
Thayer: Malyn Hedden, Griffin R. Willison, Jackson R. Willison
West Plains: Sheremy Jo Anderson, Stacie D. Callahan, Sabrina Nichole Casey, Jedidiah Emmett Collins, JT Dewitt, Morgan Elizabeth Dixon, Felicia L. Julian, Christopher Michael Robertson, Austin Jacob Row, Maria Ann Ruble, Ashley Pauline Smith, Whitney Michelle Tilley, Faith Elizabeth Watson, Kendra Gayle York, Sophia Virginia Zellars
Willow Springs: Debra Elizabeth Cooper
Winona: Elizabeth DiAnne Fears
TEXAS
Denton: Ashley Marie Quast
Associate of Science in Technology
MISSOURI
West Plains: Sandra Wenck
Certificate Program Advanced Business Studies
MISSOURI
Lebanon: Haley Grace McBride
Certificate Program Advanced Welding/Fabrication Technology
AUSTRALIA
Delungra: Koby Wayne Usmar
NEBRASKA
Bellevue: Joseph Schubert
MISSOURI
Fremont: Noah P. Keeney
West Plains: Damon J. Barnett, Abigail Autumn Butler, Kenneth C. Hicks, Wyatt J. Lacy, Nicholas Parker Rogers, Dakota James Sloan, Julian R. Williams
Zanoni: Brett C. Butler
Certificate Program Aerial & Geospatial Technology
MISSOURI
Pottersville: Caleb Joseph Christopher
Certificate Program Basic Bookkeeping
ARKANSAS
Mountain Home: Shannon Marie Kramer
Certificate Program in Data Analytics
MISSOURI
West Plains: Sandra Wenck
Certificate Program Electronic Health Record Specialist
MISSOURI
Winona: Dana Michelle Wakefield
Certificate Program Enology
CALIFORNIA
Glendora: Ashlyn Rose Adamiak
Certificate Program Horticulture
MISSOURI
Villa Ridge: Anastasia Kaylee Cox
Certificate Program Human Resources
ARKANSAS
Harrison: Joseph Scott Paul
MISSOURI
Willow Springs: Kayla Aileen Collins
Certificate Program Manufacturing Management
MISSOURI
West Plains: Jacob R. Quillin
Certificate Program Medical Coding
ARKANSAS
Bald Knob: Karlee A. Wood
Salem: Whitney McKay Means
MISSOURI
Mountain Grove: Megan Jenkins
Winona: Dana Michelle Wakefield
Certificate Program Medical Office Administrative Assistant
MISSOURI
Willow Springs: Amber Divine Crews
Winona: Dana Michelle Wakefield
Certificate Program Medical/Clinical Assistant
MISSOURI
Malden: Isaac Wayne Babb
Missouri State University Outreach
2025 Graduates List
Master of Arts in History
MISSOURI
Ava: Grace Gray
Houston: Dennis Brown, Jr.
Licking: Erin Johnston
Master of Arts in Religious Studies
MISSOURI
Pottersville: Stephanie Teasley
Master of Business Administration
MISSOURI
West Plains: Lauren Kerley
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health
MISSOURI
Ava: Rhiannon Price
West Plains: Brandy Smith
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
MISSOURI
Myrtle: Traci Caldwell
West Plains: Kristen Barr
Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education
MISSOURI
Richland: Susan Hand
West Plains: Kendra Barbrow
Master of Science in Education, Educational Technology
MISSOURI
Ava: Morgan Emerich
Master of Science in Education, Literacy Accelerated
MISSOURI
Mountain View: April Dawn Gastineau
Master of Science in Education, Special Education Alternative Certification
MISSOURI
West Plains: Jami Cook, Brittany Downen
Willow Springs: Rhea Cook
Master of Social Work
MISSOURI
Ava: Courtney Lyon
West Plains: Jacy Miller
Willow Springs: Siara Wood
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
MISSOURI
West Plains: Kebron Ghebreigziabher, Inna Koverznyeva
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, Finance and Management
MISSOURI
Ava: Baylan Alexander, Kennedy Meyer
Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies
MISSOURI
Eminence: Hailey Blackburn
Mountain Grove: Samuel MacPherson
West Plains: Abbigail Horstman, Trent Stine
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
MISSOURI
Ava: Colby Miles
Doniphan: Faith Ruff
Mansfield: Robert Humble
Richland: Megan McIntosh
West Plains: London Stadler
Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education
ARKANSAS
Mammoth Spring: Brooklyn Whittle
MISSOURI
Alton: Kendall Morrison
Ava: Grace Reed
Caulfield: Sarah Amburgy
Dixon: Sara-Ann Kelley
Kirbyville: Morgan Blom
Mansfield: Abigail Allen
Mountain Grove: Aleah Clark
Mountain View: Kelsea Martin
Norwood: Whitney Ogletree
Pottersville: Steven Steele
Raymondville: Alicia Wilson
Thayer: Haley Ball, Mikayla Green
West Plains: Sara Gross, Allison Rhoads, Samantha Wichern
Willow Springs: Morgan Breidt, Bryce Duddridge
Winona: Abigail DeWitt, Emily Wallace
Bachelor of Science in Finance, Corporate and Investments
MISSOURI
Ava: Addison Croston
Hartville: Jadalyn Berry
Mansfield: Bailey Thomas
West Plains, Joshua Moore
Bachelor of Science in Finance, Financial Planning
MISSOURI
West Plains: Landon Casey
Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture
MISSOURI
Houston: Dalton Dzurick
Bachelor of Science in General Business
MISSOURI
Dora: Riley Collins
Mountain Grove: Katelyn Ogletree
Mountain View: Kelstin Roy
West Plains: Alexander Cochran
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Clinical
MISSOURI
Caulfield: Shelby Eubanks
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Cybersecurity
MISSOURI
Ava: Emaly Keyes
Licking: Landon Medlock
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
ARKANSAS
Mountain Home: Anthony Thornton
MISSOURI
Cabool: Elizabeth Kuster, Paula Riggs
Pomona: Wilhelm Christopher
Richland: Grace Hand
Thayer: Kale Willison
West Plains: Kendra Brown, Kyla Bunch, Faith House, Dora Hummel, Stephenie McCullough, Hailey Meeks, Hannah Pankey, Travis Pohl, Kelsey Pitts, Hailey Reid
Willow Springs: Elizabeth Kharitonova
Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing
MISSOURI
West Plains: Sydney Watson
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
MISSOURI
Cabool: Abigail Heuerman
Hartville: Elizabeth Caulliette
Mansfield: Megan Langley
Richland: Amira Brown
West Plains: Kolton Billingsly, Domineque Bridges, Savannah Couchman, Emilee Dougherty, Olivia Langbehn
Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Cross Categorical
MISSOURI
Ava: Anna Gamboa
Houston: April McKinney, Carman Scholz
Bachelor of Science in General Studies
MISSOURI
West Plains: Marcella Bean, Maylee Stewart
Willow Springs: Paula Simandl
Bachelor of Social Work
MISSOURI
West Plains: Deidre Button, Olivia Fiorino