Discovering the Public Affairs Mission

Missouri State student awarding a plaque to a youngster.

You are now a #CITIZENBEAR

At Missouri State, we do things differently. We see everything through the lens of our university-wide public affairs mission. We’re inspiring you to take action as we build you and other Bears into the ethical leaders of the future. Here, you’ll find an emphasis on using the skills you learn to make a positive impact in your world.


420,000+

hours of vounteer service provided by our campus community each year

70+

international destinations in which you may study away

Experience a commitment to diversity and inclusion

We develop a student experience that prepares you to work and live with people from different backgrounds. We have 1,800+ international students on campus. You can study in another country, or learn more about others by participating in multicultural forums and heritage month events. At Missouri State, you’ll learn from different people, ideas and cultures.

Learn about different cultures

Lend a hand here or around the globe

We offer volunteer opportunities that range from one day of service to longer-term immersion programs. You can spend a school break in communities around the U.S. helping with issues such as homelessness, hunger and sustainability.

Find volunteer options

Earn credit while assisting agencies

Citizenship and Service-Learning (CASL) classes let you earn college credit while you apply your classroom learning in the community. Students volunteered at schools, the zoo, fitness centers, homeless shelters, libraries and many other sites.

Learn more about CASL

Help us add “green” to our school colors

Missouri State seeks to be as sustainable as possible. Students have improved energy conservation in residence halls, installed water bottle refilling stations around campus, grown organic produce served in the dining centers and more.

Engage in sustainability efforts

Attend events with amazing speakers

We hold signature public affairs events each year, including a prestigious Public Affairs Conference. These events attract notable speakers such as media personality and former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager, Jillian Michaels of “The Biggest Loser” and Titanic discoverer Dr. Robert Ballard.

Discover the Public Affairs conference

Bears shouldn’t go hungry!

That’s why Missouri State has the Bear Pantry in University Hall. Students who need food can visit the pantry. Students can also support Bear Pantry by raising hunger awareness, giving nonperishable food, coordinating a donation drive and more.

See what the Bear pantry offers