MSSU Alumni & Friends

09/10/2026

A lifetime of caring, gratitude and giving is creating opportunities for Missouri Southern students. 💙

Carole “CB” Eastman and her husband, Kent Eastman ’75, have made a $250,000 gift to Missouri Southern to support the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center, including the ER/Trauma Suite in the Center’s simulation hospital.

For CB, the gift reflects a lifetime dedicated to nursing, education and compassionate patient care. Her belief that “a good nurse is helping another nurse to be great” also inspired the couple to establish the Carole (CB) Eastman Nursing Endowed Scholarship with a $30,000 gift.

For Kent, giving back is deeply personal. A Missouri Southern graduate and former men’s golf student-athlete, he and CB have already made an impact across campus through the Kent and CB Eastman Endowed Business Scholarship and the Art Wadkins Golf Scholarship, created to honor Kent’s late uncle and support a golf student-athlete.

The Eastmans have also provided $5,000 for immediate needs in Missouri Southern’s nursing department, helping remove barriers and strengthen opportunities for students pursuing healthcare careers.

From nursing and health sciences to business and golf, the Eastmans’ philanthropy shares a common purpose: investing in people and helping students pursue their dreams.

Their generosity is building a lasting legacy at Missouri Southern—one that connects their own experiences with brighter opportunities for the students who follow.

Read the full story here:

For Carole (CB) Eastman, nursing was never simply a profession. It was a calling rooted in compassion, service, and a deep commitment to helping others through life’s most challenging moments. Her spirit of caring deeply for patients now shapes the future of healthcare education at Missouri S...

08/21/2026

While there are many scholarships which recognize academic, athletic or other talents, the purpose of the Golden Lion scholarship recognizes community service.

Recipients do not have to be an accomplished musician, a star athlete or the smartest kid in class. They simply must have demonstrated a desire to positively impact their community. Please take a moment to nominate a deserving High School Senior who has made a positive difference by volunteering in their school, civic organization, church or community.

Nominate a deserving High School Senior here: https://www.mssu.edu/advancement/giving/goldenlion.php

07/15/2026

From northern Russia to Joplin, Dr. Alla Barry's journey is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose.

Today, she leads one of the nation's most distinctive undergraduate anatomy programs, pioneered ultrasound training at MSSU, and continues to inspire future healthcare professionals through immersive learning.

Her greatest accomplishment?

"My students' success."

Read full story in the latest edition of Crossroads in our bio!

07/14/2026

Just days before his junior recital, Missouri Southern music student Jack Mahoney faced an unexpected setback when his car was stolen. Inside were the technology and music materials he needed for one of the most important performances of his college career.

“In one moment, everything I had worked so hard for felt like it was slipping away,” Jack said.
Because of generous donors who support the Lions Helping Lions Student Assistance Fund, Jack was able to quickly replace the technology he needed and stay focused on what mattered most—his education and performance.

“Because caring donors gave to Lions Helping Lions, I was able to focus on what mattered most, my education and performance.”

Jack’s story is a powerful reminder that unexpected challenges can happen to any student. Thanks to the compassion of our donors, a temporary crisis didn’t become a permanent obstacle.

Your support helps students overcome life’s unforeseen challenges and continue pursuing their dreams. Thank you for making stories like Jack’s possible.

07/09/2026

“While we hope we are a blessing to our students, they have definitely been a blessing to us!” - The Jernigans

For international students, studying abroad is a big step—and families like the Jernigans take it with them. Missouri Southern’s Friendship Family Program helps international students feel at home on arrival. Reflecting MSSU’s commitment to student success, the program connects international students with local families who ease culture shock and build a sense of belonging.

“My wife, Ann, and I have been in the program since January 2019,” said Mike Jernigan. “We enjoy helping students feel welcome here. We have had students from countries all around the world.”

Students’ access to their Friendship Family provides essential guidance, creating a smooth transition into life at Missouri Southern. With support that can include everything from transportation assistance, dorm essentials, home-cooked meals, and immersive day trips, they foster students’ success.

“We pick up students at the airport, help them get into their dorm rooms, make trips for their essentials, and invite them to our home for dinners and board games,” said Ann. “We even take trips to sites like Silver Dollar City and the George Washington Carver Monument.”

With the Friendship Family Program, a seemingly simple “welcome to MSSU” grows into lifelong connections that bridge cultures and expand students’ worldviews. As families like the Jernigans demonstrate, the program is invaluable to students choosing MSSU to revolutionize their study abroad experience.

For more information on how to become part of the Friendship Family Program, Contact Stephanie Goad at [email protected] or 417-625-9372.

07/08/2026

A simple act of encouragement changed the course of Jeff Billington’s life. From editing The Chart at MSSU to becoming Director of Policy Communications for the National Audubon Society and a published author, Billington’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and believing in yourself.

Check out the story in the latest edition of Crossroads: https://issuu.com/mssu/docs/mssu_crossroadsmagazine-summer-2026-issuu-compress

06/19/2026

Stop by for a drink and support the Lion Co-Op at the same time!

04/04/2026

Our fourth annual MSSU Football Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament is just around the corner!!! 🏈🦁⛳️

Join us on Saturday, April 18 at Eagle Creek Golf Course.

Signup 🔗 bit.ly/4su3yvn

03/03/2026

We recently honored the late Paul Shipman with the naming of the Paul Shipman Financial Services Suite, located in Hearnes Hall.

Dr. Paul Shipman began working for Joplin Junior College in 1965, arriving at the most exciting time. The college had just received state appropriations to transition to a four-year institution. The conversion hinged on many moving pieces including designing campus classrooms and buildings and negotiating with the governor and state legislature.

Dr. Shipman's steadfast hand and strong work ethic played a major role in successfully establishing a sturdy foundation for Missouri Southern. Always focused on creating a college that would offer outstanding affordable degree programs, Dr. Shipman and a small group of visionary leaders set the school's trajectory toward a bright future. In a 1986 Chart article, Dr. Shipman stated, "Very few people had the opportunity that I did to come to a new institution and help in its development.”

Dr. Shipman continued working at Missouri Southern for twenty-one years, retiring as the Vice President for Business Affairs. He spent the remainder of his life with his beloved wife, Trula. They continued to be avid supporters of MSSU, attending sporting events and concerts and providing philanthropic support by establishing the Paul and Trula Shipman Family Scholarship.

02/25/2026

Don't miss today's Give Back Sponsor, Raising Cane's! Enjoy a meal from 4 p.m.- 9 p.m. and
turn your meal into momentum for the MSSU Lion Pride Giving Challenge!

📍 1237 S. Rangeline Rd., Joplin
💻 Order online or in the app with code RCFUND96. Make sure to mention the fundraiser
❤️ Cane’s will donate 15% of net sales to support the MSSU Lion Pride Giving Challenge