Stephanie Adzima
Junior
Hometown: Chesterfield, MO
High School: Parkway Central
Major: Elementary Ed. with an emphasis in Spanish
“I have two favorite spots on campus. During the warmer parts of the year, I love to be by the fountains in front of the library. It is so peaceful and such a beautiful spot to be at. In the cold parts of the school year, I love to be in the PSU. I also see people I know and get to catch up on their busy lives. I love how I can get everything I need to get done in the PSU and still have those moments to see all my friends.”
Ashley Bartkoski
Freshman
Hometown: Neosho, MO
High School: Neosho Senior High School
Major: Mathematics
“Missouri State feels like home. Once I moved in here and classes started, I realized that I couldn't be happy anywhere else.”
Kelsey Beck
Senior
Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
High School: Blue Springs High School
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
“I love the compact campus and no hills!”
Molly Beck
Senior
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
High School: Parkway Central
Major: Theatre and Speech Education - Theatre Emphasis; Political Science
“I love Missouri State because it is the perfect size...I am constantly meeting new people and experiencing new things but I can always find a familiar, smiling face and have truly found a home away from home!”
Tara Beck
Freshman
Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
High School: Blue Springs High School
Major: Communication Science and Disorders-Speech-Language Pathology
“Favorite place in MSU is the PSU because everything you could possibly need is located in there and you'll always see someone you know “
Katherine Botts
Junior
Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO
Major: Illustration
Minor: Art History
“I love the way our fountains look when they are turned on for the first time in the spring!
Zach Brady
Freshman
Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
High School: Blue Springs High School
Major: Undecided
“I love any basketball game in The Q. The students are always loud and spirited, while the band plays all of our favorite songs. Not to mention, both the Men's and Women's teams are the best around. It’s always a great day to be a Missouri State Bear!”
Elizabeth Brooks
Junior
Hometown: Swansea, Illinois
High School: Belleville East
Major: Biology (currently)
“I came to MSU because of my University Ambassador! I actually did not apply to MSU at all my dad sent in my paperwork because his brother went here and he thought I needed a back up school since I was having such a hard time choosing between 7 other schools. I came on a tour at the beginning of April of my senior year and by the end of the month I had already sent in my acceptance to MSU. My University Ambassador was so positive, knew so much about the university, but most of all she was an exceptional student and you could just see how much she loved it here!”
Jenny Butz
Sophomore
Hometown: St. Louis
High School: Lindbergh High School
Major: Double majors in Biology and Spanish, minor in Psychology, Pre-Physical Therapy
“My favorite spot is the single table in the middle of the moving book shelves in the library”
Danni Cole
Year: Junior
Hometown: Lexington, MO
High School: Lexington High School
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
“I love in front of the PSU with all of my friends laughing and talking or sitting on a bench in front of the library while the fountain is on.... just MARVELOUS! =)”
Candace Coleman
Sophomore
Hometown: Seneca, MO
High school: Seneca High School
Major: Communication Science Disorders, emphasis in Speech Language Pathology
Favorite memory at MSU: On a snow day last year there was an impromptu snowball fight outside the student union with about 50 students. It was a blast!
Kyle Copeland
Sophomore
Hometown: Jefferson City
High School: Jefferson City High School
Major: Communications and Marketing
Favorite thing about Missouri State: JQH Arena—atmosphere of basketball games (guys and girls)
Danielle Costello
First Year (Sophomore by credits)
Hometown: Malgrat de Mar, Spain
High School: Central High School (Omaha, NE)
Major: Spanish and Elementary Education, with a minor in Chinese
“I came to Missouri State because of the study abroad opportunities in China and the fact that MSU was affordable, however I've come to discover that MSU is so much more than that. I love how easy it is to get involved and to meet new people. Even though being shy is my tendency and I came to MSU not knowing a single person, I have still managed to make new friends, get involved, and find a place where I truly feel that I belong.”
Alexa Daley
Freshman
Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO(Kansas City)
High School: Lee's Summit West High School
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
“I love the convenience of such a compact campus.”
Marlee Dobbins
Junior
Home Town: Webb City, MO
High School: Webb City High School
Major: Hospitality and Restaurant Administration
“MSU is a great University if you are looking for a diverse selection of majors, people, and activities. I love Missouri State and all of my extracurricular activities have only enhanced my MSU experience. *Go Bears! :)”
Fredrick Doss
Junior
Hometown: Kirkwood, Missouri
High School: Kirkwood High School
Major: Political Science - Public Relations
Minor: Ethical Leadership
“I love going to Basketball Games and Shows at JQH Arena.”
Matt Eastman
Sophomore
Hometown: Saint Charles, MO
High School: Duchesne High School
Major: Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Mathematics
“I love the campus size, especially the fact that there are no hills! I love how when you're walking to class, you will almost always pass someone you know and can say something to. I'm proud to call Missouri State my second home, and I love the feeling that I have when I'm here!!”
Rachel Elder
Junior
Hometown: Independence MO
High School: Truman High School
Major: Vocational Family and Consumer Science Education
“I fell in love with Missouri State on my first campus tour and I knew that was where I belonged.”
Miles Figg
Freshman
Hometown: Jefferson City, MO
High School: Jefferson City High School
Major: Finance "Financial Planning"
Favorite memory of MSU: Representing MSU at the MACURH and IMPACT Conferences
Rachel Filak
Year: 2013
Hometown: Rockford, IL
High School: Boylan High School
Major: Child and Family Development with an emphasis in Child Life
“My favorite place is the courtyard area right behind the PSU”
Jonny Gilbert
Sophomore
Hometown: Harrisonville, MO
High School: Harrisonville High School
Major: Economics
“My favorite part about MSU is the people. I am convinced we have some of the most incredible students in the world here that genuinely care about each other and the university.
Stephanie Goss
Sophomore
Hometown: Ferguson, Mo (Saint Louis)
Major: Speech Language Pathology
“I love walking past the fountain on a sunny day!”
Melissa Gowen
Sophomore
Hometown: Omaha, NE
High School: Millard North High School
Major: Psychology & English
“I came to Missouri State because the moment I stepped on campus, I felt at home. The people I met were so welcoming; despite the large student body, it retains a small, personable feel. At Missouri State, I feel very much at home.”
Mark Grogan
Senior
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
High School: Oakville Senior High
Major: Marketing- Advertising and Promotions
“I came to Missouri State University because it was the perfect distance from home. I would still be able to go home for holidays, but far enough away that I could be independent.”
Emily Hawks
Sophomore
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
High School: Oak Park High School
Major: Speech-Language Pathology, Child and Family Development minor
“My favorite place at Missouri State is the fountains located outside the library. They are absolutely beautiful during the spring.”
Samantha Hogenson
Junior
Hometown: Ethel, MO
High School: Macon County R-IV - New Cambria
Major: Entertainment Management
“Our business program is awesome! I love working with the faculty. Everyone is so friendly and wants to provide you with the tools to be successful. I feel like the professors genuinely care about how I do, and I definitely don't feel like a number.”
Darrell V. Hyche II
Junior
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
High School: Lincoln College Prep Academy
Major: Broadcast Journalism/Dance
“I like the Cheek 24/hr Open Access Lab”
Joe Ivancic
Senior
Hometown: Lake St. Louis
High School: Wentzville Holt
Major: Organizational Communication
“Missouri State Rocks!”
Alex Johnson
Sophomore
Hometown: Blue Eye, MO
High School: Blue Eye High School
Major: Public Relations and Journalism
“I came to Missouri State because of the involvement opportunities! Everywhere you look, there is something to be involved with, whether it is to serve the community, to find a new hobby, or to just hang out with people like you.”
Danielle Jones
Junior
Hometown: Manchester, MO
High School: St. Joseph Academy
Major: Elementary Education with an emphasis in eMINTS
“My favorite place on campus is the study area next to Kaldi’s. It’s a comfortable and peaceful place to study and be productive. I love to sit and listen to the waterfall. It’s just a great place to be!”
Kat Kelley
Senior
Hometown: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
High School: Camdenton High School
Major: Creative Writing
“My favorite thought is that I belong to a school not just attend it. I can call MSU home.”
Jenna Kilgallin
Junior
Hometown: Versailles, KY
High School : Woodford County High School
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: TESOL
“Coming in to college I heard that I would become a number and have little support but here at Missouri State I have never felt like a number. I have developed a support system of professors, advisors, and other professionals that go out of their way to make my education valuable and continue to support me as I begin to look towards the next step in my life.”
Hannah Koester
Sophomore
Hometown: O'Fallon, MO
High School: Fort Zumwalt North
Major: changing to psychology possibly with double major in criminology
“I love the fountains we have in front of the Meyer Library. I like to sit in front of them when the weather is nice and study or read in between classes. I also love the diversity of students that you meet on campus.”
Austin Kramer
Sophomore
Hometown: Jackson, MO
Major: Religious Studies
“Favorite place at Missouri State is sitting high in the stands at JQH Arena because I can just relax and watch basketball without having to be in the middle of the student section all crammed. I can just sit and cheer on the bears from a bird’s eye view.”
Kellee Kummer
Sophomore
Hometown: Foristell, Missouri
High School: St. Dominic in O'Fallon, Missouri
Major: Elementary Education
“My favorite thing about Missouri State is how big it is but how small it is at the same time! I really enjoyed living in Blair Shannon my freshman year, I met so many people! I love running on campus on a sunny day and passing the beautiful fountain outside the library!”
Taylor Lane
Senior
Hometown: Excelsior Springs, MO
High School: Excelsior Springs High School
Major: Interpersonal Communication
“I came to Missouri State on a whim...and sort of fell in love. Best decision I have ever made...and I'm nowhere near ready to leave!”
Alyssa Lueth
Sophomore
Hometown: Parkville/Kansas City
High School: Park Hill South High School
Major: Advertising and Promotion (Marketing)
“MSU is a great place to receive a quality education while meeting new people and making friends that will be there for you for life! My favorite place on campus is the area behind Plaster Student Union between Siceluff and Carrington; It is an area that gets a lot of business and may get congested every so often, not only between classes, but any time of day. It is quiet most of the time and beautiful with the landscaping, especially on a nice sunny day! I love that there is also a place for various organizations to promote themselves nearby. At night, there is a single light that sets a twilight mood setting and is absolutely amazing to walk through when enjoying a stroll with a friend. It is simply enchanting to me.
Coming from Kansas City, I only really knew one other person from my high school out of the 10 (+/-) that came to Missouri State from my graduating class. I was originally an Elementary Education major, and seeing as how the University began as a Teacher's College, it is as if the school of my dreams had fallen into my lap! I was looking for a school with the perfect distance from home so that I could still visit effortlessly, and yet also build a life for myself out of my own comfort area. I had come to visit the campus with my older sister when I was a freshman in high school and immediately fell head over heels for the campus. I knew from that moment that I would come to Missouri State. The campus is not the traditional college campus that you might imagine from what you see in movies or TV shows-- it is not all grass and brick buildings and parties on campus! The buildings are much more modern looking from the outside with a concrete finish; and while they are surrounded by grass, we also have an amazing fountain and great scenery! I would have to say my second favorite place on campus is the fourth floor of Strong, so that I can look out over the campus and watch the students as they come and go from various places all around as I think to myself, "I can't believe I am a part of this!"
Molly Marroquin
Sophomore
Hometown: Lake St. Louis
High School: Timberland
Major: Elementary Education (minor in Spanish)
“I love that MSU is a close knit community, with so many opportunities and always someone willing to help you get where you need to go.”
Sarah McGowan
Sophomore
Hometown: Spring, Texas
High School: Klein Oak High School
BFA Musical Theatre
“I came to MSU because of the great musical theatre program, the fact I could get a good education in gen eds, and because the school had sports teams!”
Mindy Millikan
Junior
Hometown: St. Charles, MO
High School: Francis Howell North
Major: Criminology
“The fountains are my favorite because they can cool you off on a hot day and look pretty sweet at night. :)”
Lauren Nagle
Senior
Hometown: Republic MO
High School: Republic High School
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
“My favorite place on campus is Catholic Campus Ministry.”
Ricky F. Nebel II
Sophomore
Hometown: Bolivar, Missouri
High School: Bolivar High School
Major: BFA Musical Theatre and B.S. Psychology
“I love playing Follow the Leader outside of Craig Hall during a busy class change!”
Craig Nelson
Senior
Hometown: Harrisonville
High School: Harrisonville High School
Majors: Global Studies w/ emphasis in Business and Economics; Spanish; Minor in Economics
“Missouri State has one of the nicest campuses around and it keeps getting better with all of the development that's happening. JQH Arena was amazing, and hopefully the new Student Center will be even better.”
Amy Newbold
Senior
Monett, MO
Monett High School
Exercise and Movement Science with a double minor in Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences
“Missouri State University is a great place to go to college! While we are the second largest university in Missouri with almost 23,000 students enrolled, our campus is very compact and not as wide-spread as many other large institutions. We have a small-community setting, and students can walk through campus seeing friends and familiar faces. This university is not only a place we call school, but it is also a place we consider our home.”
Emily Newbold
Sophomore
Hometown: Monett, MO
High School: Monett High School
Major: Dietetics
Favorite MSU memory: Winning CIT tournament for the first time! GO BEARS! :)
Deanne Niemeyer
Sophomore
Hometown: Fenton, MO
High School: Rockwood Summit High School
Major: Marketing-Sales/Sales Administration
“Missouri State University is a home away from home for me! I have met some awesome people, taken some great classes, and gotten in some amazing organizations that have made my time here so far fabulous! My favorite place on campus is Plaster Student Union! I came to MSU because I loved how it was a large University in sense of student body, yet had classes the size of my high school classes.
Mallory Nolen
Senior
Hometown: Tulsa
High School: Union
Major: Interpersonal Communication
“I came to MSU because of the cute bike cut-outs on the bike trails! Seriously...”
Paige Oxendine
Freshman
Hometown: Neosho, MO
High School: Neosho High School
Major: Double majoring in Public Relations and Socio-Political Communications
“My favorite place at Missouri State is either the 4th floor of Strong where you can see almost all of campus or the quad area outside of Carrington in the spring.”
Taylor Paul
Class of '12
Hometown: Noel
High School: McDonald County
Major: Theatre, BFA Performance
“We seek not to just educate, but to make students into good citizens”
Hannah Philpot
Freshman
Hometown: Springdale, Arkansas
High School: Har-Ber High School
Major: Undeclared
“Dance Bear-a-thon was incredibly fun!”
Jerrell Price
Sophomore
Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
High School: Blue Springs High School
Major: Physical Education
“My favorite place on campus is JQH Arena. I came to MSU because of the great traditions Missouri State has.”
Summer Rascoll
Junior
Hometown: Mandeville, La
High School: Mandeville High School
Major: Broadcast Journalism /political science minor
“Strong Hall is my favorite place by the windows”
Nikki Rios
Senior
Hometown: Joplin, MO
High School: Joplin High School
Major: Spanish, Minors in Chemistry and Biomedical Science
“I love the JQH fountains!!!”
Kristen Roach
Junior
Hometown: St. Peters, MO
High School: Fort Zumwalt South High School
Major: Marketing- Sales Management
“I love living in the residence halls, and meeting all of the wonderful people!”
Kristen Sanocki
Senior
Hometown: Jefferson City
High School: Jefferson City High School
Major: Political Science with a minor in Economics
“I chose to come to MSU because of the university's unwavering commitment to Public Affairs.”
Sarah Satchell
Freshman
Hometown: St. Louis (Wildwood)
High School:Lafayette High School
Major: Entertainment Management
“I love the Public Affairs Mission and the Quad”
Staci Savas
Senior
Hometown: Lombard, IL
High school: Willowbrook High School
Major: Recreation and Leisure Studies
Minor: Communication and Psychology
“I wanted to get away from home and experience new places, loved the small feeling of the campus while knowing that there was a large number of students attending.”
Jamie Schneider
Sophomore
Hometown: St. Charles, Missouri
High School: St. Dominic High School
Major: Exercise Science
“My favorite place on campus is the 4th floor of Meyer Library overlooking the fountains. It’s a quiet place to study but you can watch the fountains and people walking by if you need a break.”
Andrew Sherwin
Junior
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
High School: Brentwood High School
Major: Game Design
“I love living on campus, and Scholars House is the best! I have an amazing bunch of friends there!”
Brandt Shields
Junior
Hometown: St. Joseph, MO
High School: St. Joseph Central
Major: Musical Theatre and Entertainment Management Double Major
“MSU is a great place to be a college student. There is always something to do, people to see, or just places to hang out. The programs are great, the classes are engaging, and I don't think I could be happier anywhere else. GO BEARS!!!”
Kristin Shirrell
Junior (will be a senior in the spring though!)
Hometown: Cape Girardeau
High School: Cape Central Senior High
Major: Psychology, B.A.
Minor: French
“I chose Missouri State because of all the opportunities the university offered me, from academics, to intramurals, to social organizations. I love that we're a big university, but also the small feel of it. On top of that, Missouri State has one of the best deals for tuition in the state. We're very affordable, which was something the other schools I was looking at didn't have in the Pros column. And, Springfield itself offers countless things for college students to do. Missouri State turned out to be the perfect fit! :)”
Cassie Shrewsbury
Freshman
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
High School: Lindbergh
Major: undeclared
Favorite thought, place, or memory of Missouri State: bears basketball games!
Zach Smith
Senior
Hometown: Burlington, Kansas
High School: Burlington High School
Major: Political Science
“I chose Missouri State for several reasons: it has a compact campus, has outstanding residence halls, offers excellent scholarship opportunities to incoming freshman, and Springfield has a great “small town” feel for being the third largest city in the state.”
Renee Struemph
Class of 2013
Hometown: St. Thomas, Missouri
High School: St. Elizabeth High School
Major: Public Relations
“I love that when walking to class, you are almost guaranteed to see five familiar faces as well as so many new faces!”
Jon Stubblefield
Junior
Hometown: Festus, MO
High School: Festus High School
Major: Organizational Communication major and Psychology minor
“I LOVE Missouri State. The people are fantastic individuals, the campus is active and a great size, and the opportunities are nearly limitless!”
Natasha Tatoian
Junior
Hometown: Lake St. Louis, MO
High School: Wentzville Holt High School
Major: Political Science Minor: International Relations
“My favorite place on campus is the library. It’s a relaxing place to get some time to yourself. You chill on a couch in the basement and crack open a book you've been meaning to read or you can spread all your books out on a table and do your homework. There's something for everyone in the library.”
Jeff Thomas
Senior
Hometown: Buckner, MO
High School: Fort Osage
Major: Computer Science
“My favorite place on campus is JQH Arena. Go Bears!”
Kameran M. Thull
Sophomore
Hometown: Branson, MO
High School: Branson High School
Major: Hospitality and Restaurant Administration (HRA)
“One of my favorite memories was this year when I put on a face painting program for the first home football game. We had about 30 people come get their faces painted to support the team and then a bunch of friends all went to the game and cheered on the Missouri State Football Bears! YAY go bears! M-I-S-S-O-U-R-I STATE!”
Courtney Wendel
Senior
Hometown: Overland Park, KS
High School: South Nodaway R-IV
Major: Public Relations
“My favorite thing about MSU is the campus community which to me has kind of a Goldilocks and the 3 Bears feel, not to big, not to small, but just right :)”
Kristen White
Senior, Graduate May 2010
Hometown: St. Charles, MO
High School: Francis Howell North
Major: Public Relations
“Missouri State is just a great school all-around, from academics to athletics to all-around genuine people. It's great to be a Bear!”
Blair Wilde
Freshman
Hometown: St. Elizabeth, MO
High School: St. Elizabeth R-IV
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech Language Pathology
“I love that I can get anywhere on campus, from anywhere on campus in 15 minutes or less!”
Kimberly Williams
Senior
Hometown: Washington, MO
High School: St. Francis Borgia Regional High School
Major: Marketing - Advertising and Promotion
“I love campus! I love the layout and atmosphere that surrounds campus.”
Shawn Willaims
Sophomore
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
High School: Vashon
Major: Political Science
"Our mission is public affairs."
Jessica Zeitzmann
Junior
Hometown: Washington, MO
High School: Crosspoint Christian School
Major: Early Childhood Education
“I love how pretty MSU is, and how easy it is to get to classes, and all the cool places to hang out and people to meet, and I love the fountains, and the list goes on :