SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, received Missouri State University’s first-ever Governmental Excellence Award for his work in support of higher education.
“Senator Parson has long supported Missouri State in his role as a state representative and senator,” Dr. Clifton M. Smart III, president of Missouri State, said. “Most notably, he championed the bonding package that appropriated almost $19 million to renovate Ellis Hall, Hill Hall and Missouri Hall.”
The award was presented at the commencement ceremony for the University’s Colleges of Business and Education.
After accepting the Governmental Excellence Award, Parson thanked the university for the honor and congratulated the students assembled for the commencement ceremony.
He told the new graduates that each of them has an opportunity to make a tremendous impact on the world and encouraged them to use this opportunity to give back to others through civic involvement or public service.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
