Truman State University McNair Program

McNair Scholar Emma Suchsland has received the prestigious designation of Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Psychology! This award recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievements. Each department at Truman State University can choose only one student for the honor each year, so competition is fierce. Can’t wait to see where you go from here, Emma!

McNair Scholar Sayri Colindres was recently elected Vice President of Truman State University Student Government. She ran on a ticket with candidate for President Ben Croat. As President and VP, they intend to increase political outreach in Jefferson City, examine ADA compliance around campus, and improve internal feedback loops to better understand the student body -- among other pursuits. Congratulations to all elected!

On April 16th, our students got a chance to show off and be recognized by the Truman community for their excellent work in research! Check out the variety of interesting and important topics (pictured in order:

RACHAEL AGONCILLO - Dr. Michael Rudy, Faculty Mentor
The Monetary Straitjacket: Official Dollarization and the Structural Capacity for Interstate Peace

SCOUT ARMAS-MOSSOTTI - Dr. Jeffrey R. Vittengl, Faculty Mentor
Meta-analysis of Rumination-focused versus Standard Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression: A Proposal

MASON WODICKER - Dr. John Palazzolo, Faculty Mentor
Body Composition and Fall Risk in Older Adults: Investigating the Influence of Fat Free Mass

SAYRI COLINDRES - Tyana Lange, Faculty Mentor
The Role of Anthropomorphism in Brand Identity: How Young Adult Consumers Connect with Brand Mascots

MALINKA LOPEZ - Dr. Sunghan Bae, Faculty Mentor
How Investment and Export will lead to economic Growth in Guatemala: An economic comparative analysis between Guatemala and Mexico

JADA RAY - Dr. Karen Vittengl, Faculty Mentor
The Associations Between Moral Injury and Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD Severity in College Students & Combat Veterans

BELLA YEO- Dr. Kandice Grossman, Faculty Mentor
Data Center Expansion in Kansas City: Environmental and Fiscal Burdens on Local Residents

OLIVIA JAMISON - Dr. Katrina Schmerold, Faculty Mentor
A Meta-Analysis of Attachment Styles in Young Adults With Early Caregiving Instability

HALEY PARKER - Dr. Nancy Daley-Moore, Faculty Mentor
Perceptions of Belonging: A Comparative Study of First-Generation and Continuing-Generation Students’ Sense of Belonging and University Retention

Congratulations to McNair Scholar Haley Parker on her recent success as Philanthropy Co-Chair during Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Greek Week 2026! She and Isaiah Kuehler are shown presenting a check to Luke Callaghan from Kirksville Parks and Recreation. They organized the collection of donations from the Kirksville community from March 30th through April 2nd. Under their leadership, the Greek community raised an astonishing $20,047 for charity, with $17,641.36 going to Kirksville Parks and Recreation for the Beyond Boundaries Adaptive Swim Program. Hosted by Kirksville Parks and Recreation, Beyond Boundaries is an adaptive swim program that helps swimmers with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities build their skills in preparation for competition. The remaining $2,405.64 will go to the top philanthropy winners (Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Chi, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) to distribute to the charities of their choice.

McNair Scholar, Malinka, and her three teammates from the Bulldog Student Investment Fund recently represented our campus at the GAME Forum hosted by Quinnipiac University in New York City, the largest student-run financial conference in the world.
On Day 2, they competed in the Global Portfolio Competition, presenting their actively managed investment portfolio and benchmarking their performance against teams from universities. Beyond the competition, the experience offered invaluable networking opportunities, connecting with students from 120 universities and professionals representing 70 firms and organizations across the globe.

Major shoutout to Malinka for making moves and representing in a big way!

Learn more about the GAME Forum here: https://qgame.qu.edu/

Congratulations are in order for Truman State McNair Scholar Jessie Philips! She and the Truman State Forensics Team had a very successful performance at the Missouri Association of Forensics Activities State Tournament, hosted by Webster University February 13-14, 2026. Jessie took home the state title (first place) in Poetry, second place in Duo with Briggs Maynor, and fifth place in After Dinner Speaking. The team itself took first place overall in the state, with eight state champions including Jessie. The team also won the Director’s Award for most cumulative points earned over multiple years. Great work Jessie and teammates! We can’t wait to see what you and the team do in the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament after spring break!

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day from the Truman State University McNair Program! Scholars participated in a wellness-focused cookie decorating activity to promote stress management, peer support, and connection to program staff.

Our next new McNair Scholar is Rachael Agoncillo. Rachael is a junior Political Science major from Eureka, MO with a minor in Economics. Rachael looks forward to furthering her research experience and building her resume as a part of McNair.

Welcome to the program, Rachael!

Our next new McNair Scholar is Olivia Jamison. Olivia is a junior Psychology major from Saint Louis, MO with a minor in sociology. Olivia looks forward to growing academically as a part of McNair.

Welcome to the program, Olivia!

Our next new McNair Scholar is Scout Mossotti. Scout is a junior Psychology major from Los Angeles, CA with minors in Criminal Justice and Disability Studies. Scout looks forward to building her research portfolio as a part of McNair.

Welcome to the program, Scout!

Today we celebrate the 40th annual — a day to honor student success, community service, and the power of educational opportunity.
For 60+years, TRIO programs have opened doors, strengthened communities, and built pathways to college and careers for millions of first-generation scholars. Truman State University is home to two TRIO programs: McNair and .ub. While McNair is focused on getting college students into graduate school, Upward Bound prepares high school students for success in college. Both programs are proud to stand with the TRIO family nationwide. 💙❤️