Two Missouri State University students were named to the second annual Conference USA Stars of Tomorrow program.  

Junior Cole Coursen and senior Isaac Moon will take part in the exclusive initiative that blends collegiate athletics and career development. It provides top students from CUSA member institutions with meaningful access to industry leaders and career opportunities in Huntsville, Alabama. 

The pair are among 20 students selected to build on the success of the program’s inaugural year. Stars of Tomorrow will take place in conjunction with the 2026 Air National Guard CUSA Basketball Championships at Propst Arena in Huntsville, offering students the opportunity to combine real-world career exposure with the excitement of a championship environment.  

During the visit, students will participate in a full day of professional development, including direct engagement with employers across the Huntsville corporate community and exploration of career opportunities aligned with their academic and professional interests. 

The Stars 

Coursen is a double major in mechanical engineering and physics.  

“We’re so proud of Cole and the opportunities he has as one of CUSA’s Stars of Tomorrow,” said Dr. Tamera Jahnke, dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. “He and Isaac are wonderful representatives of Missouri State.” 

Coursen says he’s most looking forward to representing Missouri State on the national stage. 

“This opportunity reflects the amazing support and mentorship I’ve received over the last three years from my professors and peers, and I’m thankful to be in a position to help show what Missouri State students are capable of achieving,” he said. “I’m excited to connect with industry leaders in Huntsville and explore the real-world effects of engineering alongside other like-minded students.” 

Moon will complete his accelerated master’s in accounting this May.  

“Isaac embodies the qualities we hope to cultivate in every student, including intellectual curiosity, strong ethical character and meaningful leadership,” said Dr. Kim Church, director of the Pendleton Family School of Accountancy. “Isaac and Cole represent the very best of Missouri State and the spirit of the CUSA Stars of Tomorrow recognition.” 

Post graduation, Moon has already signed with Ernst & Young in Washington, D.C., a big four accounting firm. 

“I’m thankful to Conference USA and the city of Huntsville staff for selecting me as a CUSA Star of Tomorrow,” Moon said. “Their generous commitment to developing the students of member institutions is appreciated, and I look forward to learning more about Huntsville and networking with area professionals and fellow Stars of Tomorrow, along with cheering on our Missouri State basketball teams.” 

The Stars of Tomorrow program will cover all travel and accommodation expenses.