For her leadership in public service and steadfast support of Missouri State University, Sen. Sandy Crawford will receive the university’s 2025 Government Excellence Award.

As voted by the Board of Governors today (Oct. 3) the award will be presented at a fall 2025 commencement ceremony Dec. 12.

About Crawford

A lifelong resident of Dallas County, Crawford served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2010-17 following a 30-year banking career. In August 2017, she was elected to the Missouri Senate and has served in that role since.

In the Senate, she has championed legislation across a wide spectrum, from agriculture and banking to education and local government and elections.

Crawford’s support for Missouri State is among her key educational priorities. Her efforts include:

• This year, she carried House Bill 419 in the Senate – the first measure passed this session to include language authorizing Missouri State to offer PhD degrees.
• While serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee since 2021, she advocated for significant appropriations for Missouri State. Among them are:
  • Over $40 million for the Roy Blunt Hall addition and renovation
  • $17.5 million for renovations of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex
  • $7.5 million for the Neurodiversity and Autism Center at MSU-West Plains
  • $4 million for faculty improvements at William H. Darr College of Agriculture

“Sen. Crawford’s dedication to the people of Missouri and this university exemplifies the very best in public service,” said President Richard B. Williams. “Her leadership in advancing our ability to offer doctoral programs will shape the future of our campus and state for generations.”

A Missouri State alumna, Crawford received her bachelor’s degree in finance in 1995. She is also a 1998 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.

About the Government Excellence Award

The Government Excellence Award is bestowed to government officials who exemplify leadership, support the university and have outstanding achievements.

The university president and administrative council recommend award recipients. Executive committees of the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and Student Government Association support the nomination prior to going before the Board of Governors for approval.

Previous award recipients include Gabe Gore, Dr. Karla Eslinger, Clay Goddard and former Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.