In recognition of his long-standing involvement with and support of Missouri State University, Norm Shealy will receive the 2015 Bronze Bear Award. He will be the 17th recipient of the award, which is presented to those who have exhibited “extraordinary achievement and/or outstanding support” for Missouri State.
The Missouri State University Board of Governors voted today (Oct. 16) to award the Bronze Bear to Shealy, which will be presented at the Dec. 11 commencement ceremony at JQH Arena.
A look at Shealy’s many contributions
“Missouri State is proud to present this recognition to Dr. Norm Shealy,” said Missouri State President Clifton M. Smart III. “Dr. Shealy’s support helped the Darr School of Agriculture grow and thrive and his gift has allowed Missouri State to further participate in the field of conscientious psychology. These programs are stronger because of Dr. Shealy’s generosity.”
Shealy is a longtime friend of Missouri State. He donated his 250-acre farm located in Fair Grove, Missouri to the university, along with livestock, a conference center and other buildings on the property. He also established the Mary-Charlotte Bayles Shealy Chair in Conscientious Psychology in the department of psychology.
Over the years, Shealy has made gifts to KSMU and Ozarks Public Television, as well as in-kind gifts in support of the music and agriculture departments.
Prior Bronze Bear recipients
1998 – John Q. Hammons, international developer and philanthropist
1999 – David D. Glass, former president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., of Bentonville, Arkansas, and owner of the Kansas City Royals baseball team
2000 – Dr. Duane G. Meyer, president emeritus of Missouri State
2003 – Virginia and William H. “Bill” Darr, founder and owner of American Dehydrated Foods and related companies, and Springfield philanthropists
2004 – Jane and Ken Meyer, owners of Meyer Communications, Inc., and Springfield philanthropists
2005 – Dr. John H. Keiser, president emeritus of Missouri State
2006 – Thomas G. Strong, nationally-known attorney
2007 – The McQueary Family, former owners of a wholesale drug company
2008 – The Turner Family, Great Southern Bank
2009 – The Pinegar Family, Pinegar Chevrolet
2009 – Dr. Michael T. Nietzel, former president of Missouri State
2010 – James P. Ferguson, president of the Heart of America Beverage Company
2011 – Robert W. Plaster Foundation and the Plaster Family, developers and philanthropists
2012 – The Journagan Family, Journagan Construction Company
2013 – Dr. Arthur Mallory, former president of Missouri State
2014 – The Foster Family, donors and members of the Missouri State Foundation Board of Trustees
About the Bronze Bear Award
The Bronze Bear Award includes a framed resolution and a 45-pound, 18-inch Bronze Bear in an upright position mounted on a base.
Established in 1998, the Bronze Bear Award was designed by former Missouri State art professor Dr. Jim Hill. A 14-foot statue version of the Bronze Bear mounted on a 3-foot concrete base is located just north of Missouri State’s Plaster Student Union.
Recipients of the Bronze Bear are recommended by the university president and administrative council and supported by the executive committees of the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and Student Government Association, prior to going before the Board of Governors for approval.