Missouri State University will grant its 25th honorary doctorate to alumna Mimi Garstang.

She will receive the Doctor of Public Affairs (A.P.D.) degree during spring 2026 commencement ceremonies.

Missouri State’s Board of Governors approved the nomination today following recommendations from the Faculty Senate and President Dr. Richard B. Williams.

“Mimi is deserving of this doctorate because she is the embodiment of Missouri State’s public affairs mission,” said Dr. Bill Sandel, selection committee chair. “She has done so much for the field of geology and the state of Missouri.”

A life dedicated to public service

Garstang devoted her career to public service through science, leadership and education.

In 1972, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geology from what was then Southwest Missouri State University. In 1978, she joined the Missouri Geological Survey, part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. She rose through the ranks and made history as the first woman to serve as state geologist of Missouri and director of the Missouri Geological Survey in 2000.

In these roles, she led Missouri to rank among the top 10 states for mineral production, strengthening the state’s economy while balancing environmental stewardship.

She also educated the public about environmental issues and protection, promoted sound environmental policies in the state legislature and organized continuing education for geologists and engineers to advance public safety and welfare.

Garstang has served students at all levels by fostering a love for science, creating scholarship opportunities for future scientists and mentoring young professionals.

Since retiring from public service about 15 years ago, she has continued to help improve and protect Missouri’s natural resources. Through the Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologists and the American Society of Civil Engineers, she supports continuing education for professionals, which also funds undergraduate scholarships.

Additionally, she continues legislative outreach, promoting scientific understanding through the Missouri Geologists Consortium and the American Institute of Professional Geologists (Missouri chapter).

About the honorary doctorate

Missouri State awarded its first honorary doctorate in 2003. The purpose of the award is to recognize extraordinary achievements by distinguished citizens in hope of encouraging others.

Recent previous recipients include Sgt. Major Lanny Asepermy, Roseann Bentley, Dr. Stephen Kleinsmith, Sara Lampe, Dr. John Bentley, Elise Crain and Tom Strong.

A.P.D. degrees are granted in recognition of the recipient’s extraordinary achievements in public affairs.