Through adversity, whether personal setbacks, global crises or shifting social landscapes, resilience is what carries people forward.
This fall, Missouri State University’s 22nd annual Public Affairs Conference will spotlight that enduring strength with its 2025 theme, “Resilient People, Resilient Future.” The conference will take place Sept. 16-18.
“Our focus on resilience is timely because of the constant and unpredictable challenges we face. Resilience is not just about bouncing back, but moving forward,” said Dr. Tina Liang, public affairs fellow, conference chair and professor in the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership.
“Open conversations about resilience help people adapt, maintain well-being, reduce stigma around struggles and build the flexibility needed for individuals, communities, and organizations to recover and thrive.”
What can attendees expect
The conference includes a mix of in-person and live-streamed sessions:
- A keynote speech from David Feherty, former pro golfer turned acclaimed broadcaster
- Four in-person plenary speakers
- Twenty virtual panel sessions covering topics from agriculture to art to cybersecurity, leisure, mental health and more
All events are free and open to the public. No registration is needed.
Opportunity to meet Feherty
Known for his sharp wit and unfiltered honesty, Feherty is also a New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Troops First Foundation. He has been open about his struggles with depression and addiction, using humor as a path to healing and resilience.
He will serve as the keynote speaker at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 in Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. The event is made possible by the Missouri State Foundation with support from KY3.
The foundation will host a VIP Experience with Feherty at 5 p.m. before his keynote speech. Tickets for the event are $100 and available for purchase online.
Don’t miss the plenary speakers
The four speakers who will present in the Plaster Student Union Theater are:
- Christina Meredith, Miss California, advocate and U.S. Army officer – she’ll share her journey out of the ashes to a life of hope (12:15 p.m. Sept. 17)
- Ben O’Keefe, storyteller and social entrepreneur – he’ll talk about the power of everyday people (7 p.m. Sept. 17)
- Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR science correspondent – she’ll address how science connects people and culture (12:30 p.m. Sept. 18)
- Courtney Clark, resilience researcher and author – she’ll cover what realistic resilience looks like (7 p.m. Sept. 18)
More details
Guests may park in BearPark North without a permit for in-person events.
Live virtual sessions are presented via Zoom webinar. Access Zoom links on the conference schedule page.
The free Bear Line shuttle provides transportation to PSU from BearPark North.
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