DR. BRENDA SMITH, assistant professor of child and family development at Missouri State University-West Plains, has been given Missouri State University’s 2020 Faculty Excellence in Community Service Award. Described as “a quiet force of leadership and community betterment,” Smith’s multifaceted volunteerism affects change throughout the West Plains area from children and families, to the environment, to workforce development. She served two terms on the West Plains City Council and currently serves on the Boards of the Galloway Nature Park, Boys and Girls Club of Greater West Plains and the South Central Child Advocacy Center. In addition, for nearly 20 years Smith has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America as Merit Badge Counselor, Friends of Scouting and member of the BSA Troop 160 Committee. Smith will receive formal recognition from the university at a later date.
