Public Affairs Overview

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An Emerging Mission On June 15, 1995, Missouri Governor Mel

Carnahan signed into law Senate Bill 340 which gave Missouri State University a statewide mission in Public Affairs. This mission defines a primary way in which a Missouri State education is different from that of other universities and one way by which we educate our students to imagine the future.

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Initiation of Public Affairs

Dr. John H. Keiser, President Emeritus of Missouri State University, was a leading advocate for the involvement of public affairs on campus. He was acting President from 1993-2005.

On April 13, 2005, the Citizen Scholar statue, a representation of the public affairs mission, was dedicated in Dr. Keiser’s honor.

Today, Dr. Keiser holds the title of Public Affairs Conference Chair Emeritus.

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The Three Components The Missouri State University

Public Affairs Mission is comprised of the following three components. Ethical Leadership Cultural Competence Community Engagement

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Ethical Leadership Students will articulate their

value systems, act ethically within the context of a democratic society, and demonstrate engaged and principled leadership.

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Cultural Competence Students will recognize and

respect multiple perspectives and cultures.

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Community Engagement Students will recognize the

importance of contributing their knowledge and experiences to their own community and the broader society.

Students will recognize the importance of scientific principles in the generation of sound public policy.

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Student Exposure from Beginning to End

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Public Affairs in Action Student Orientation and

Registration (SOAR) An introduction to college and campus

life and the public affairs mission for new students.

Public Affairs Week (PAW) Community Blood Drives Service Fairs Engaging Speakers

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Public Affairs in Action Convocation Series

One presentation in the fall and spring by professionals invited to speak on the current Public Affairs theme.

Public Affairs Conference April 14 -16, 2010 Evolving Economic Realities

Keynote Speakers Panel Discussions Special Events Free and Open to the Public

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Provost Fellow for Public Affairs

Dr. Mahua Barari Mitra serves as the 2009-2010 Provost Fellow for Public Affairs. Professor of Economics Provost Fellow for International Education

and Partnerships from 2007-2008 Dr. Barari Mitra will be chairing the 2010

Sixth Annual Public Affairs Conference on Evolving Economic Realities.

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Public Affairs Professorship

A Public Affairs Professorship is a position established at Missouri State University to recognize faculty who have excelled at enabling the University to carry out its Public Affairs mission.  Professor’s are awarded a $5,000 stipend. In addition, they are given $1,000 for

expenses to carry out the work of the position.

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Appointed Public Affairs Professors

There are currently two individuals appointed to the Public Affairs Professorship position. Appointments are made annually and each professor serves a three year term in the position. Dr. Sandra Byrd, 2008-2011

School of Accountancy

Dr. Ken Rutherford, 2009-2012 Department of Political Science

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Public Affairs Grants The Public Affairs Grant Program provides

financial support to faculty, staff, and student organizations and groups to sponsor events for the campus community that are consistent with Missouri State University's public affairs mission.

The grants are measured on two levels. Level 1 – Grants up to $1,000 for events of

interest to a smaller segment of the campus community.

Level 2 – Grants from $1,001 - $4,000 for events of interest campus wide.

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Community Service Awards

The Excellence in Community Service Awards are presented annually in recognition of excellence in volunteer work with charitable, nonprofit, church or similar organizations in the community.  The Missouri State University Foundation funds up to four $1,200 cash awards, two designated for staff and two designated for faculty. All full time faculty and staff with at least three years of service at the university are eligible for the award.

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American Democracy Project

The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy.  The project began in 2003 as an initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), in partnership with The New York Times.

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E-Citizenship Research Missouri State University is one of thirty-four institutions

working on a three year initiative developed by the American Democracy Project to study how social networks support and facilitate civic and political engagement.

AASCU and the Center for the Study of Citizenship at Wayne State University have partnered to lead the initiative.

The main goal is to provide insights into and strategies for engaging undergraduates in the use of social networks and technology tools for civic purposes.