One individual made his mark in enrollment management while the other impacted advising at Missouri State University.

For their outstanding contributions, Missouri State’s Board of Governors voted May 8 to induct two former staff members into the university’s Wall of Fame.   

The 2025 inductees are Don Simpson and Kathy Davis.   

Honoring long-time employees  

Former employees with lasting legacies are selected for the honor annually. This class of inductees represents 66 years of service to the university.  

The Wall of Fame already includes 147 individuals. With the 2025 class, the Wall of Fame now recognizes 149.   

About the 2025 class   

Don Simpson  

Simpson (Aug. 28, 1978-July 31, 2019) dedicated over 40 years to Missouri State, most notably as the founding leader of enrollment management and services. He played a pivotal role in shaping the unit and guiding the university through more than 25 years of sustained enrollment growth. His work helped support the university’s transition from Southwest Missouri State to Missouri State University. Known for his sharp attention to detail and clear communication, Simpson was meticulous in reviewing data and policies, often working through complex scenarios to improve university systems and student services. He consistently prioritized students, championing a mission of quality service and modeling servant leadership. 

Kathy Davis  

As director of what was then called the Academic Advisement Center – now the Academic Advising and Transfer Center – for more than two decades, Davis (Sept. 1, 1993-Dec. 31, 2019) transformed academic advising at Missouri State. She secured funding to launch the Master Advisor Program, emphasizing advisor training based on NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising competencies. Her other initiatives included advisor workshops, advising notes and the Provost Academic Advising Council. Her work improved advising consistency, professional development and student support, earning national recognition for the university in 1997. 

The induction ceremony   

The 2025 honorees will have their plaques added to the wall outside of the Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom at a formal ceremony this fall. 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