Missouri State University in Springfield awarded 2,953 degrees to students in spring 2023.
The commencement ceremonies took place May 19 at Great Southern Bank Arena. The following local students earned degrees:
Ava: Jennifer Fortner graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work, summa cum laude; Grace Gray graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, History, magna cum laude; Hailey Herrell graduated with a Master of Social Work; Haley Herrera graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Tenisha Loftin graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching; Courtney Lyon graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work; and Lacy Shields graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work.
West Plains: Angelia Ashberger graduated with a Master of Accountancy; Jessica Barton graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing; Lindsey Bassham graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Psychology; James Collins graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Criminology and Criminal Justice; Noah Collins graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education, summa cum laude; Raven Collins graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work, cum laude; Hanna Ellett graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education; Abigail King graduated with a Master of Social Work; Michael Knapp graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Agriculture Education; Krista Lair graduated with a Master of Science in Education, Educational Technology; Anna Riley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education, summa cum laude; Haley Satterfield graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education, summa cum laude; Ashli Wake graduated with a Master of Science, Counseling; and Ezekiel Webb graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education, cum laude.
Willow Springs: Maegan Bell graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching; Tiarra Davis graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Sociology, magna cum laude; Maksim Kharitonov graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education, summa cum laude; and Anna Moore graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Global Studies.
Mtn. View: Billie Randle graduated with a Bachelor of Science, cum laude in the Honors College, and Maxwell Rudolph graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Criminology.
Pomona: Breana Collins graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Psychology, cum laude.
Pottersville: Ace Summers graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Anthropology, magna cum laude.
Alton: Jared Hitch graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies; Misty Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Psychology, magna cum laude; and Tiffany Orchard graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education.
Thayer: Shawna Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Nakoma Wheeler graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Psychology, magna cum laude.
Gainesville: Michia Jenkins graduated with a Master of Athletic Training, and Brandon Poe graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Leadership.
Dora: Shereen Pettit graduated with a Specialist in Education, Counseling and Assessment.
Eminence: Peyton Shelton of Eminence graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Criminology and Criminal Justice, cum laude.
Houston: Megan Bonner graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Jennifer Branum graduated with a Master of Science, Counseling; and Joshua Gulick graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Finance.
Cabool: Joshua Gregory graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Management, magna cum laude, and Kinley Tucker graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Management and Entertainment Management.
Mtn. Grove: Kathryn Carroll graduated with a Master of Social Work.
Mtn. Home, Ark: Kirsten M. Cotter graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing Connie; Lee Partney graduated with a Master of Science, Information Technology; Sheila M. Rather graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing; and Benjamin Tucker Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Supply Chain, Logistics and Operations Management.
Gepp, Ark: Racheal Ann Downs graduated with a Master of Social Work.
Mammoth Spring, Ark.: Sara Marie Busch graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Health Services, cum laude.
Salem, Ark.: Ashley Nicole Hall graduated with a Master of Science, Psychology.
Viola, Ark.: Ryhlea N. Castaneda graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Psychology, cum laude.
