“The internship program was the most beneficial experience for me. It opened up so many opportunities in the government field. The experience was essential in developing the skills needed to pursue a career in politics.”

Ann Stock,’03

Legislative Aide

Senator Charlie Shields

“Western ‘gold’ is the student/teacher ratio and the personal attention students get at Missouri Western. You are not just a number there. The relationships with the professors and the lifelong bonds that were formed have been most valuable to me.”

Dean Brookshier, ’88

Deputy Chief of Staff

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves

“In one of my Social Work classes a partner and I had to start a program and take it to a group of students in the community and implement it. That experience helped me tremendously. I recently started a mentoring program, and having that experience at MWSU was the foundation I needed on how to begin a program.”

LaVell Rucker, ’03, MSW

School Social Worker

"My minor in Sociology diversified my skill base and better prepared me for my life and career in the federal government. My education provided me with an edge when I entered the working world. The most valuable experience for me at Western was the one-on-one interaction with doctoral level professors - something not often found at other colleges."

Tia Meredith-Ash, '01
Business Development Specialist
General Services Administration

“The class sizes at Western are small enough to promote a closeness and collaboration with peers but large enough to provide diversity and an opportunity to learn from a variety of perspectives. My experience at Western presented me with challenges to conquer which allowed me to walk across the stage at graduation feeling like I was truly ready to change the world.”

Lisa Seiberling, BSW, ’04

Social Worker

“Over the years I spent at Western, each course, each relationship, and each discussion played a valuable part in developing the person I am today. Having the opportunity to attend an institution of higher education like Western is, in itself, a ‘golden’ experience.”

Derek Coats, ’02
District Office Director
U.S. Senator “Kit” Bond

“The Social Work program at Missouri Western was an excellent preparation for both my career and for graduate school. The professors and curriculum were challenging, and the professors were exceptionally helpful and supportive.”

Blue Cochran, ’04

Graduate Student, University of Kansas

“My ‘golden’ experience at Missouri Western happened when I lost my mother to cancer. During the final stages of her cancer, all my instructors were very encouraging and helpful. They gave me invaluable advice on how to balance my time at school and with my mother. This is an experience I will never forget.”

Jim Smith, ’01

Transportation Enforcement Investigator

Mo. Department of Transportation

“The teachers took an interest in my education by encouraging me to work harder, and not accepting any work except my best. I was so prepared for the Social Work field that I ‘hit the ground running’ in my career. The Social Work program not only gave me an education, but enabled me to become more confident, mature, and self-sufficient.”

Melody Grier, ’04

Service Coordinator for Division of Youth Services