Missouri State University’s Sigma Alpha Chapter, Alpha Xi, earned three national honors at the 2025 National Convention, held July 30-Aug. 3 in Norfolk, Virginia.  

The chapter won first place awards for Outstanding Social Media and Outstanding Advisor and third place for the Jennifer McMillian Service in Agriculture Award. 

“These awards are direct reflections of the dedication that our members put into the work we do and I’m proud to see our efforts being acknowledged at the national level,” said Aubrey Jung, chapter president and agriculture education senior. 

About Sigma Alpha 

Founded in 1978, Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority with more than 19,000 members. The sorority promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.  

Alpha Xi, Missouri State’s chapter was founded in 2000 to promote women in agriculture while connecting students to professional development, service opportunities and lifelong friendships. 

The chapter currently has 29 active members from Missouri and neighboring states.  

About the awards 

The Outstanding Social Media Award recognized Alpha Xi for maintaining the most informative, creative and professional social media program. 

As for the Jennifer McMillian Service in Agriculture Award, it honors chapters that host agriculture community events that serve the public and promote agricultural knowledge. 

“This recognition reflects Alpha Xi’s ongoing commitment to impactful community service and engagement,” Jung said. 

The chapter has championed several initiatives, including the national service project, Ag in the classroom. During recruitment week, members creatively share agriculture facts on stuffed animals placed throughout Karls Hall on campus. It also partners with nonprofit organizations, such as Convoy of Hope and Harmony House to address issues like hunger, poverty and domestic violence.  

Celebrating outstanding leadership 

The Outstanding Advisor Award recognized Dr. Christine Sudbrock, associate professor in the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership, for her exceptional leadership and long-standing support of Sigma Alpha Sorority at Missouri State. 

“This award came at a moment that was a little challenging for me, so it felt like a spark of joy. You often think you’re doing something meaningful, but you always wonder if others see it the same way,” she said. “So, it’s always an honor for other people to recognize and acknowledge my work.”  

Sudbrock served as Alpha Xi president from 2008-09 during her undergraduate studies at Missouri State. She has served as an advisor for over a decade since joining the Darr College of Agriculture in 2011 as an agricultural business instructor.  

“I remember as a student how valuable the wisdom of our advisors was. Being able to share that kind of guidance and support now means a lot to me,” she said.  

Giving back and growing together  

This fall, upcoming activities for the chapter include the Journagan Ranch sale from Oct. 3-4 and Missouri State Homecoming parade on Nov. 15.

For Sudbrock, she plans to extend the professional development book club she started with Alpha Xi’s executive committee to the entire chapter. She is excited about expanding the opportunities for growth and learning to all of Alpha Xi’s members.   

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