The Granvil Vaughan Founder's Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact upon the mission of the West Plains campus. This prestigious award is named in honor of the late Missouri State Representative Granvil Vaughan for "his commitment toward bringing to fruition the long-held dream of higher education in south central Missouri." The award is presented annually at the spring commencement ceremony to someone who has been involved as a community member (not while a university employee) in advisory groups and attended events and activities sponsored by the university for a period of ten years or more.
Members of the administrative council, faculty and staff at Missouri State-West Plains are invited to nominate individuals for this award. Nominations are to be submitted in letter format citing, as a minimum, biographical information and significant factors supporting the nomination.