Meet your Ambassadors
Dalton Ball
Class: Freshman
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Future Plans: Engineering, writing or psychology.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: I did not know how diverse the students are. I've already met several people who come from entirely different countries.
Advice/Tips: Make connections with people. Be as involved as possible, and join as many clubs and groups as you can.
Fun Facts: I produce music and write songs in my free time, and I train in MMA.
Favorite book: Dante's Inferno
Logan Brewer
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Ozark, Missouri
Future Plans: I plan to become a physical therapist.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I chose Missouri State-West Plains because it is an affordable college that takes A+, so I get my first two years free.
Advice/Tips:
Get involved early on. College is no fun if you just stay in your room and go to class. There are tons of student organizations to get involved in here at MSU-WP.
Fun Facts: I am a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and I collect sports memorabilia.
Favorite Quote: You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take.
Lydia Davis
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Mountain View, Missouri
Future Plans: Either get an associate's degree in Criminology or Community Behavioral Health Support.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: That you could use the Civic Center gym for free.
Favorite music artist/band: Mitski, TV Girl, The Smiths, and Gorillaz
Most used emoji: The kissy face.
My dream job: Mental health specialist; forensic scientist
Emilee Dougherty
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Future Plans: I'm getting my associate's degree in general studies here, then I'm transferring to Missouri State-Springfield to get my bachelor's degree in psychology. I will see where life takes me from there.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I chose MSU-WP for many reasons, but the location was one of the biggest factors. I also loved that the campus felt very welcoming, along with small class sizes.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: I didn't know that there were so many student and community events throughout the year that students can attend for free.
Favorite music artist/band: Harry Styles and LANY
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Daegen Green
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Future Plans: To be an athletic director and coach.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I was able to stay at home and use my A+. Also, everyone here is so kind.
Fun Fact: My grandpa helped establish the campus in 1966, and served as administrator for 20 years.
Favorite TV show: Friends
Favorite Restaurant: Panda Express
Favorite Quote: Be one in a million, not one of a million
Andi Howard
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Dora, Missouri
Future Plans: I plan to transfer to Missouri State in Springfield and earn my bachelor's degree in Agriculture Business.
Favorite Book: The Notebook
Favorite music artist/Band: George Strait
Fun Fact: I met Garth Brooks
Favorite Quote: I would like to apologize to anyone I have not yet offended. I will get to you eventually, I'm sure.
Dream Job: Agriculture Loan Officer
Harly Howell
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Thomasville, Missouri
Future Plans: Agriculture, vet or vet tech
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I chose MSU-West Plains for a couple of reasons. One for me was the community. They know and care about each other. The second being the staff. You could see they genuinely care about their students.
Favorite music artist/band: Koe Wetzel
Advice/Tips:
Try something new. You might find out something about yourself to help with your future career.
Favorite Quote: This lifestyle isn't about animals. It's about beliefs and values passed down through generations. Ensuring things are left better for those yet to come. It's all about legacy.
Shane Hull
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Bloomfield, Missouri
Future Plans: Early childhood special education.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: Its smaller classroom setting that is a perfect transition from a small high school.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: I am a very big planner, so I did a lot of research and liked what I found. No surprises.
Favorite Music Artist/Band: Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton
Fun Fact: I've never met anyone famous, but I do DM Dolly Parton every day.
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Quote: Normal is a setting on a drying machine. Not a word used to describe people.
Sophia Keeney
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Van Buren, Missouri
Future Plans: Earn my associate's degree in general studies, and transfer to Missouri State-Springfield to obtain a bachelor's degree.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I chose Missouri State University-West Plains because it is a small campus that feels like my hometown. The small class sizes stuck out to me.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: I didn't know that there would be so many opportunities to meet other students on campus.
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Favorite Ice Cream Topping: Hot Fudge
Caitlyn McNew
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Willow Springs, Missouri
Future Plans: I plan to finish a two-year degree at West Plains before transferring to Springfield and pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I had taken dual enrollment courses through MSU-WP and had a good experience.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: I didn't know that MSU-WP offered counseling and clinical services.
Advice/Tips:
Make friends in your classes, so you have someone to bounce ideas off of. Stay in contact with your instructors. If you are ever confused, they are here to help you!
Favorite Music Artist: Ed Sheeran
Store where I could max out a credit card: Target
Ahmea Parham
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Future Plans: United Nations work, international business.
Fun Fact: I met Patrick Mahomes
Favorite Quote: Do now what others won't do, so that later you can do what they can't do.
Dream Job: I do not dream of labor.
Andrea Rivera
Class: Freshman
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Future Plans: I plan on getting a bachelor's degree in social work at MSU-Springfield, and eventually a master's in counseling or psychology.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I have A+ for two years free and to be close to family and also meet new people.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: People here accept each other for who they are. You don't have to try to be someone else in order to fit in.
Advice/Tips:
Be open-minded with people and listen to what they have to say.
Fun Fact: I met Yo-Yo Ma
Taylor Rogers
Class: Freshman
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Future Plans: I plan to attend nursing school and specialize in cosmetics.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I chose Missouri State-West Plains because it kept me close to family, and I wasn't quite ready to move off.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: I did not realize that free tutors were available.
Fun Fact: I met Mark Wahlberg
Favorite Holiday: 4th of July
Advice/Tips: Take advantage of all of the study areas.
Austin Row
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Summersville, Missouri
Future Plans: Future RN
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: It's like home away from home. Everyone is very kind. I knew everyone here wanted to see me succeed.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: Textbooks are very expensive.
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Music Artist/band: G Herbo
Favorite Quote:
Some people think to be strong is to never feel pain. In reality, the strongest people are those who feel it, understand it, and accept it.
Advice/Tips:
Ask questions. Everyone is helpful. If they don't know the answer, they will point you to the direction to find it.
Grace Schierling
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Mountain View, Missouri
Future Plans: After the completion of MSU-West Plains' Associate of Science in Nursing program, I would like to work in a critical care setting while continuing my education toward a bachelor's in nursing.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: It was close to home and the best financial choice for me.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: The amount of financial aid available to students.
Favorite Movie: Tangled
Favorite Ice Cream Topping: Strawberries
Gracelyn Walker
Class: Freshman
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Future Plans: Transfer to Springfield to get my bachelor's in speech pathology. Then hopefully get into the Occupational Therapy master's program.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I chose Missouri State-West Plains because it felt like a safe and welcoming environment.
What I didn't know about Missouri State-West Plains before becoming a student: I didn't realize how many different majors were available.
Most Used Emoji: Crying with laughter and the pink heart.
Favorite Quote: Courage cannot erase our fears. Courage is when we face our fear.
Advice/Tips:
Talk to people! Don't be afraid to talk to your classmates or professors. Ask for help because you don't have to do this alone!
Kenzie Warren
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Future Plans: Getting an English degree to possibly work with editing or publishing.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: I felt more at home here. You get more personal contact than at a big university.
Fun Facts: I met RG III and Morgan Wallen took my phone for a selfie. And, I took Kid Rock's tour bus to my grandma's funeral.
Advice/Tips:
Talk to everyone you see on campus! You never know who could be your new best friend.
Griffin Willison
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Thayer, Missouri
Future Plans: I plan on becoming a registered nurse through Missouri State-West Plains and eventually become a Nurse Anesthetist.
Fun Fact: I have been tracking my calories for 5+ years now. Chances are I could give you a close estimate of calories for any food you are eating.
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Most Used Emoji: Cat with laughing face
Advice/Tips:
Get out of your comfort zone. Once you do that, college will instantly become so much better/fun.
Jackson Willison
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Thayer, Missouri
Future Plans: Hopefully become a registered nurse and then get accepted to a graduate program for Physician's Assistant.
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: MSU-WP has a good nursing program. Also, my mom and all of my siblings have or still attend the University.
Favorite music artist/band: Juice WRLD
Fun Facts: I can bench over 300 lbs. and I collect World War bayonets.
Favorite Quote: A man should not utter words he is unwilling to stand by.
Kale Willison
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Thayer, Missouri
Future Plans: I plan on getting my Associate of Science in Nursing, transfer to Springfield and then go to graduate school to become a CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist).
Why I chose Missouri State-West Plains: The affordability and the nursing program.
Favorite food: Shrimp Alfredo
Favorite Quote: The fears we don't face become our limits.