Giving Opportunities

Missouri Southern Foundation

Phone:
417-625-9396

Email:
giving@mssu.edu

By giving to Missouri Southern State University you demonstrate your passion for the University mission. At the same time, by giving to Missouri Southern you also show that you understand how donor support is required to cover the cost to educate each of our students.

Choosing a cause to support expresses your deepest values and reflects your vision of the world and of yourself.

When you make a gift to the University, you have many different ways to express those values:

You may give an unrestricted gift to be used where the need is greatest, or

You may choose to support a program or college that's close to your heart.

But wherever you direct your gift, you will be helping MSSU make an impact on students, on the community and on the world.

Scholarship/Endowments

Endowments are gifts to the University in which the principal is invested.
Donors can designate the earnings from their investments to support scholarships, facility improvements and programs. These gifts create a permanent source of funding and allow donors to make a lasting difference in students' lives. Over 96% of our students receive financial aid. Since 1984 donors have provided scholarships to more than 3,670 students at a value of $6,340,508.04.

Dr. Leon and Mrs. Sue Billingsly Scholarship

• An endowed scholarship for students seeking a bachelor's degree in education has been established by the daughter of a couple whose legacy remains tied to the continued success of Missouri Southern State University. Connie Billingsly Godwin, of Joplin, created the scholarship in honor of her parents, Dr. Leon and Sue Billingsly.

Patty Vavra Scholarship

• An endowed scholarship is being established for Patty Vavra. Patty is retiring as the Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach. The scholarship would go to a women's cross country or track and field student-athlete. 

Academics/Instruction

Honors Department

Project estimated costs: $125,000 lecture series/$75,000 study abroad scholarship.

Help secure endowment funding for a lecture series and scholarships to assist students studying abroad, which is a requirement of the program.

The Performing Arts

Southern Symphony Orchestra

Project Estimated cost: $10,000

Supports a join performance between community and university musicians. 

Southern Symphonic Chorus

Project Estimated cost: $10,000 annually.

Supports a joint performance between community and university musicians and singers.

Shakespeare Festival

Project Estimated Cost: $25,000 annually.

Theatre students and faculty perform a Shakespearean production for the community during the summer" MOShakes" Festival.

"MOShakes aims to offer the plays of William Shakespeare in productions that are insightful, exciting, and entertaining," says Missouri Southern Theatre Department Chair, Dr. Jim Lile.