They’ll lobby for social justice in America, provide food to local communities, boost the medical profession and enhance ethical law practices.

In the years ahead, this group of exemplary Missouri State University students will make a positive difference in the world.

The university’s Board of Governors acknowledged six students with the Citizen Scholar award today (Dec. 10). The award honors students who exemplify academic success and the university’s public affairs mission.

The 2020-21 Citizen Scholars

The Citizen Scholar recipients are:

Jamie Cayley, graduate, Guatemala, Guatemala

Cayley is working on a Master of Science in Mathematics    and graduate certificates in forensic child psychology, statistics and research design, and student mental health, family and community support. He plans to become a licensed professional counselor to help transgender youth and people who have experienced clinical trauma.

Alye Darter, graduate, Rogers, Arkansas

Darter is working on a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology.  She plans to work as a speech-language pathologist for geriatric people in a hospital setting.

Allison Garrett, senior, Nixa, Missouri

Garrett is majoring in political science. She is applying to law school and plans to form her career in the higher education setting, with the goal of becoming general counsel for a college or university.

Jae Gray, graduate, Little Rock, Arkansas

Gray is working on a Master of Science in Early Childhood and Family Development. They plan to work in the nonprofit sector and develop local communities that value justice, equity and decolonization.

Rachael Ingram, senior, Kansas City, Missouri

Ingram is majoring in cell and molecular biology. She is applying to medical school and plans to become an emergency medicine physician or a trauma surgeon.

Lyndsey Parker, senior, Salem, Missouri

Parker is majoring in agriculture business finance and management. After completing her accelerated  , she plans to start a career in agricultural lending and advocate for the industry in local communities. She earned an associate’s degree from Missouri State-West Plains in 2019.