Missouri State University’s Citizen Scholars plan to document history; make a mark in international business and higher education; help people improve their health; grow in leadership skills; and engage their communities.  

Today, Missouri State’s Board of Governors awarded six deserving students with the Citizen Scholar award. The award honors students who exemplify academic success and the university’s public affairs mission. 

The Citizen Scholar Award was created in 2007 as a special Board of Governors program to recognize outstanding citizen scholars at MSU. The university’s faculty and staff members submit nominations each fall. 

The 2024-25 Citizen Scholars 

The Citizen Scholar recipients are: 

Faith Collins, junior, Alton, Missouri 

Collins is majoring in professional writing with a minor in Ozarks Studies. She interns with the Ozark Heritage Resource Center and has been published in the “American Bee Journal” and “Elder Mountain.”  

Her community work extends beyond cultural documentation; she’s a dedicated member of her local church and is involved in community mission projects. After graduation, she plans to freelance as a copy editor focusing on regional topics. 

Ashlie German, senior, Springfield, Missouri

German is working toward a degree in supply chain, logistics and operations management with minors in business analytics and Spanish.  

She was president of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity. She has also interned with CNH Reman and studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain.  

After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in supply chain analytics and later earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on supply chain management. 

Michael Guilfoy, senior, Des Peres, Missouri 

Guilfoy is majoring in political science and modern language.  

He has chaired the SAAB chapter’s executive board, volunteered with New International Student Orientation and served with Global Leaders and Mentors. He interned with Missouri LAGERS and the U.S. House of Representatives.  

After graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree for a career in international business or higher education. 

Simoriah Longhorn, graduate student, O’Fallon, Illinois  

Longhorn is studying nutrition and dietetics.  

She served as president of Sigma Delta Pi, a Spanish honor society, and La Barraca, which promotes Hispanic culture and language within the academic and local communities. She is also a dietetic intern at MSU.  

After graduation, she plans to become a registered dietitian and help others improve their health. She also wants to explore her passion for different cultures through travel. 

Kayla Pfitzner, graduate student, Springfield, Missouri 

Pfitzner is pursuing an MBA and a graduate certificate in marketing analytics.  

She is president of the MBA Association, vice president of service for Women in Business and serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.  

After graduation, she plans to use her communications, leadership and analytics skills to help organizations succeed. 

Gerald Schiele IV, senior, Kansas City, Missouri 

Schiele is majoring in accounting.  

He interned with BMG Advisors and served as a personal assistant to the CEO of SAAB National.  

After graduation, he will join Forvis Mazars in Kansas City and work with the National Association of Black Accountants to rebuild a local chapter and support diverse talent.