Student Success

Elizabeth Trower senior spotlight graphic

May 6, 2024

Senior Spotlight: Elizabeth Trower

Participants in the Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) select one major course of study from four broad academic categories – mathematics, science, social studies and humanities. During Elizabeth Trower’s stint as a Scholar, she was placed in a journalism major class. The experience was a transformative one. Not only did Trower realize she had a passion for journalism, but she was also able to get a closer look at the University of Missouri campus. Those two factors played a massive role when Trower was making her college decision. “I had always loved Mizzou but one of the big reasons…

Natalie Gilpin senior spotlight graphic

May 6, 2024

Senior Spotlight: Natalie Gilpin

Natalie Gilpin, a senior majoring in health science on the pre-professional emphasis track, has known that she wanted to be an optometrist since the seventh grade. Now, with graduation on the horizon and an acceptance to Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Gilpin credits Mizzou with being instrumental to her success.  “I have truly been here for the academics,” she said. “That’s something I’ve always been really passionate about and I feel that has served me super well. This is an education that you wouldn’t get in other places.” Gilpin remembers that…

Katie Essing, pictured on the left, laughs after receiving an award from Catherine Rymph.

April 17, 2024

Recognizing Excellence in Honors

Katie Essing, pictured left, was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award during the annual Honors College spring awards ceremony.  There were plenty of laughs to go around during the annual Honors College spring awards ceremony, as well as plenty of faculty, staff and students who were honored.  Multiple students pursuing the Honors Certificate were recognized for their outstanding achievements over the past year. The college also gave an award to an outstanding faculty member, Katie Essing, and an exceptional campus partner, Susan Hartnagel. The final honor of the evening was given to Alexandra Socarides, associate provost for academic programs, who…

An individual smiling at the camera while participating in an activity.

March 5, 2024

A Sense of Adventure

Bailey Stover has participated in three study abroad experiences during her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Missouri: Costa Rica, Peru and Spain. Those opportunities have allowed her to explore the world in fun and unique ways. Photo courtesy of Bailey Stover. A fan of writing from a young age, Bailey Stover has only strengthened her storytelling skills through the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has found new and exciting avenues for sharing those articles. Stover’s journalistic endeavors have extended beyond the classroom, too. She has participated in multiple study abroad experiences and conducted undergraduate…

Christopher Daubert smiles for a picture with his son, Maxwell Daubert.

Feb. 8, 2024

Planting Seeds of Success

Maxwell Daubert grew up in an academic environment and has developed a passion for all things academia, especially research. He spent plenty of time with his father, Christopher Daubert, who has conducted academic research for years and is the the vice chancellor and dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Photo courtesy of Maxwell Daubert. Maxwell Daubert, a senior majoring in biology with a minor in anthropology, grew up in an environment that fostered constant learning. Daubert, who moved to the Columbia area between his freshman and sophomore years of high school, spent a…

Two young kids posing for a picture in front of Memorial Union.

Jan. 22, 2024

Pursuing Her Passion for Education

Mizzou has been a special place for Madison Hayes (pictured right) and her brother for years. Working toward a degree through the College of Education and Human Development, Hayes is also pursuing the Honors Certificate at MU. Photo courtesy of Madison Hayes. A student in the University of Missouri College of Education and Human Development, Madison Hayes, who is also pursuing the Honors Certificate, is always looking for opportunities to get real-world teaching experience. Last semester, the Honors Learning-by-Contract program allowed her to do just that. Through the program, Honors students work with MU faculty to transform a…

Jan. 3, 2024

Honors Students Go Live on KBIA

Every student in Amy Simons’ Honors Tutorial was tasked with watching or listening to Views of the News, a show hosted and produced by Simons, on Wednesday in preparation for a lively discussion on Thursday. After spending most of the semester as avid consumers of the show, the cohort then worked together to produce their own episode. Honors Tutorials, small one-credit discussions available to University of Missouri Honors students, are designed to provide more meaningful relationships and in-depth learning experiences than the traditional classroom setting can offer. Some Tutorials, such as last semester’s “Views of the News: Media Criticism” taught…

Matt Houk senior spotlight graphic

Dec. 14, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Matt Houk

Matt Houk has always loved to learn. That passion for education led Houk to the University of Missouri, where he will graduate this December with three degrees – political science, history and communication – as well as two minors and a handful of certificates, including the Honors Certificate. Houk accomplished a lot during his time at MU, and those achievements led him to being selected as the student speaker during the Honors commencement ceremony. It was Houk’s interest in learning, as well as a desire to follow a blueprint that his older sister…

Caroline Lyman senior spotlight graphic

Dec. 13, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Caroline Lyman

During Caroline Lyman’s first collegiate soccer match, the freshman University of Missouri defender found herself lined up against Stanford University forward Sophia Smith. Smith, who was a sophomore, had been a regular on the United States Women’s Youth National Team training circuit and was coming off a solid freshman campaign. It was quite the “welcome to college soccer” moment for Lyman. That first match proved to Lyman that her years of hard work on the pitch had been worth it – she was officially a Div. I athlete and part of one of the best conferences in the country, the…

Felix Wang senior spotlight graphic

Dec. 12, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Felix Wang

Felix Wang has made sure to make the most of his time at the University of Missouri. The senior will graduate in December with two degrees – English and information technology – as well as the Honors Certificate. Wang also took part in a study abroad experience in Ireland and has participated in multiple undergraduate research projects. Those accomplishments don’t even include Wang’s involvement in a variety of other clubs and organizations. “I’ve definitely been able to explore a wide range of interests during my time at Mizzou,” said Wang, who is from St. Joseph, Missouri.