To spend your life doing something you enjoy and that makes you feel inspired is a life well lived.
The Missouri State University Board of Governors voted today to induct six individuals who lived their dream and made a difference into the university’s Wall of Fame.
The 2024 inductees are Cindi Barnett, Julie Ebersold, Dr. Jack Knight, Dr. Rhonda Ridinger, Dr. Belva Worthen Prather and Nancy Schanda.
Honoring long-time employees
Former employees with lasting legacies are selected for the honor annually. This class of inductees represents 223 years of service to the university.
The Wall of Fame already includes 141 individuals. With the 2024 class, the Wall of Fame now recognizes 147.
About the 2024 class
Cindi Barnett
Barnett (April 13, 1987-June 30, 2018) was the driving force behind the conception, development and construction of Foster Recreation Center. Her dedication to providing students with a modern, inclusive and engaging space for physical activity and wellness transformed the campus experience.
Julie Ebersold
Ebersold (July 6, 1976-June 30, 2013) is a people person. As director of alumni activities, she gave life to the Missouri State Alumni Association. Her careful attention to detail, creative spirit and polished professionalism laid the foundation for the organization to which more than 150,000 alumni proudly belong.
Dr. Jack Knight
Knight (Aug. 19, 1974-July 31, 2017) exemplifies the very essence of an outstanding educator. The third full-time professor ever hired in the philosophy department, he taught students how to take deductive reasoning and apply it to the world around them for the next four decades. His dedication to fostering intellectual curiosity and commitment to student success profoundly impacted the campus community.
Dr. Rhonda Ridinger
Ridinger (Sept. 1, 1971-May 31, 2017) is one of those exceptional professors who remain an indelible part of her students’ lives long after they graduate. A kinesiology professor, advisor and field hockey coach, Ridinger was also a long–time member of the Faculty Senate and the Academic Program Review Committee, both of which she chaired. In 2010, she was inducted in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 1979 national championship field hockey team.
Dr. Belva Worthen Prather
Prather (Aug. 18, 1986-July 31, 2015) was hired as a flute teacher for the music department, but with band in her blood, she immediately offered to help Jerry Hoover with the band. From there she was immersed, and the university eventually created the associate director of bands position for her. Through her directorship of the wind ensemble, she impacted thousands of music educators and band students.
Nancy Schanda
Schanda (Jan. 22. 1973-May 31, 2017) built the first college academic advising center – the Business Advisement Center – in the College of Business. She set a high standard for academic advising at Missouri State and developed eight semester plans still used as models for the current university plans. She actively participated in Staff Advisory Council, and later Staff Senate, advocating for all staff on campus.
The induction ceremony
The 2024 honorees will have their plaques added to the wall outside of the Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom at a formal ceremony during Homecoming.
The ceremony will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 18. It is free and open to the public.
Selection criteria
In addition to nominations from current or past members of the campus community, the former faculty or staff member must have:
- Significantly contributed to the success and positive collegiate experience of students.
- Worked full time at MSU for at least 10 years.
- Stopped working full time at MSU for the past five years.