JASON MCOLLOM, center, associate professor of history and department chair of arts, humanities and social sciences at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), received the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Public Affairs from the Missouri State University Board of Governors. The award recognizes university employees who demonstrate ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement through their contributions on campus. Each honoree receives $1,500 to fund research, professional development or initiatives that further public affairs efforts at Missouri State.
McCollom’s leadership in the Ozarks Heritage Research Center and Ozarks Studies Symposium highlights his commitment to making scholarship a shared civic endeavor. Through partnerships, archival work and student-centered research, he connects academic work with public audiences in accessible and meaningful ways. McCollom is pictured with Missouri State University Board of Governors members Lynn Parman, left, and Travis Freeman, right. (MSU-WP photo)
