The Missouri State University Board of Governors designated six students as the 2016-17 Citizen Scholars at its meeting today (Dec. 15). But what makes a good citizen scholar?

These students were selected for their dedication to the public affairs mission of the university through course work, activities and service-learning opportunities.

“The drive that these students demonstrate is incredible,” said Carrie Tergin, Board of Governors member who served on the selection committee. “I am impressed by their academic rigor as well as the many ways that they find to give back to the community and to the world. It makes me really excited to see what they will do in the future.”

The 2016-17 Citizen Scholars

The recipients of the Citizen Scholar Award are:

• Jaggar Deed, a graduate student from Republic, Missouri, pursuing a bachelor’s in finance and a master’s in health promotion and wellness management
• Kimberleigh Eng, a graduate student from Woodbridge, Virginia, pursuing a master’s in business administration
• Caroline Finnell, a junior from Chesterfield, Missouri, majoring in dietetics
• Alexis “Ali” Jemes, a senior religious studies major from Independence, Missouri
• Michelle Pellegrino, a senior from Saint Peters, Missouri, triple-majoring in economics, mathematics and modern language
• Victoria “Tori” York, a senior from Highlandville, Missouri, majoring in English education

“Boundless – that’s a word I’d use to describe the Citizen Scholar,” added Tergin. “I don’t think these students see the hurdles the rest of us see. They’re living and leading with purpose.”

About the Citizen Scholar Award

The Citizen Scholar Award, instituted by the Board of Governors and approved in 2007, recognizes full-time students who have made significant accomplishments while enrolled at one of the campuses at Missouri State University.

The award is given to students who have contributed to the university, advanced the university’s public affairs mission and have been significantly engaged in extra-curricular accomplishments and/or in significant service activities in the community.

Each student received a crystal globe in recognition of the award and their names have been added to the Citizen Scholar wall in Plaster Student Union.

For more information, contact Dr. Dee Siscoe, vice president of student affairs, at 417-836-5526.