John Rush

Recipient of the honorary Doctor of Public Affairs

Speaker at the 5 p.m. ceremony on May 16, 2014

John Rush served as president/CEO of United Way of the Ozarks for 20 years and has since continued his commitment to the community in the areas of public health and welfare. Rush has been a strong voice of advocacy for the Jordan Valley Community Health Center, a federally qualified health center, and has served on the center's Board of Directors

Serving as a community leader

His voluntary leadership continued through his work with the Presbyterian Children's Services, Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation, ARC Foundation, the Child Advocacy Center and the Greene County 100 Club.

Rush has served as a member of Springfield City Council, past president of the Greene County Park Board, served on the Mayor's Commission for Children and Youth, Springfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum and the Attorney Disciplinary Committee of the Missouri Supreme Court. He continues to serve higher education serving on advisory boards for Missouri State University and Evangel University.