A&S faculty and staff nominate and recognize outstanding graduating seniors
Collage of graduating students

Top row: Bradford Siwak, Alexis Simmerman, Kailyn Hill, Emily Wyninegar 
Bottom row: Tatum Elliott, Jack Innes, Matt Houk, Charles Williams

Toward the end of every semester, faculty and staff members from across the College of Arts and Science nominate outstanding graduating seniors.

These nominees might not be the usual suspects for extra recognition. Rather than basing nominations solely on grades earned, jobs secured or awards received, A&S faculty and staff selected students who have been outstanding citizens and grown through their experiences with the college and at Mizzou — students who have impressed and inspired through aspirations, perseverance, participation and other contributions.

Click the names below to learn more about a few of the many outstanding Tigers graduating in December. 

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Charles Williams
Charles Williams

Charles Williams

Major: Quantitative Economics
Hometown: Laredo, Missouri 

What is your favorite A&S memory?
My favorite A&S memory has been working with my advisor, Kati Abbott, at the beginning of every semester. She has been absolutely wonderful and a joy to work with in guiding my college plans to completion. She even assisted me with questions about graduate school, which was not her responsibility to answer, and she does so with the same degree of commitment and care she shows everyone who has the privilege of calling her their advisor.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to enroll in the master’s program for economics and further my education here at the University of Missouri.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?
I would love to shout out Dr. Parsons, who inspired my appreciation for economics in the first place. After our introductory microeconomics class, we would walk a similar path and share the details associated with pursuing a career in economics. This caused me to switch my major out of the engineering program and into my newfound inspiration for the field of economics. Since then, I have dedicated myself to pursuing a graduate degree in economics so that I can further my understanding in this field and use it to serve large groups of people across the nation as an economist.

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Jack Innes
Jack Innes

Jack Innes 

Major: History. Also earning a minor in Psychology.
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri 

Why did you choose to study history at Mizzou?
For me, I chose to go Mizzou since my grandparents were graduates of Mizzou, as were my parents. My primary reason I chose my major in history was due to hearing stories of family members who served in the Second World War.

What is your favorite A&S memory?
My personal favorite A&S memory is when Dr. Monica Black, a history professor at the University of Tennessee, came to Mizzou and gave a lecture. Another favorite memory of A&S I have is participating in Dr. Ilyana Karthas’ Revolutionary France, 1789-1815 trial of King Louis XVI in which I played Lafayette.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?
I would like to personally shout out Dr. Bradley Nichols. During my time here at Mizzou, I had the pleasure of taking three of Dr. Nichols’ courses: Modern Military History, World War II, and the Holocaust. In particular, in his class about the Holocaust, Dr. Nichols was available at any time to help me further understand certain aspects of the Holocaust to broaden my understanding and knowledge. During this semester, Dr. Nichols and I were able to further discuss the Holocaust outside of the classroom. These in-depth conversations and studies helped me to realize the area of history that I am most interested in is the Second World War and more specifically, the Holocaust.

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Matt Houk
Matt Houk

Matt Houk

Majors: Political Science, History, and Communication. Also earning minors in Constitutional Democracy and Defense and Strategic Studies
Hometown: Neosho, Missouri 

Why did you choose Mizzou?
Growing up, I always idolized Mizzou as being the school of my dreams. I used to have a sign outside of my childhood home that had Truman the Tiger on it, and I used that as a source of inspiration in high school to pursue good grades for the University of Missouri. So, along with childhood excitement, as well as a compelling financial offer, I quickly knew I was meant to be a Tiger.

Describe your study abroad experience.
I studied abroad in Oxford, United Kingdom for the Spring Break 2022. My favorite experience was, by far, the exploration of one of the oldest college towns in the world. The interactions with my fellow students, as well as the international panel of guest speakers we had allowed for a truly global experience.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?
When I was asked to give a shoutout to an A&S person, I had a hard time narrowing down my choices, but I felt that I had to include three people's names: James Long, Dr. Jay Sexton, and Dr. Christopher Deutsch. 

James has been one of my biggest supporters and best friends while attending Mizzou, always pushing me to pursue my dreams and work my hardest. With the two professors, both were able to completely change my perspective not just on history, but on my own life. It was through their classes that I learned about the world around me and just how important the study of history actually is. I was also able to discover the kind of person I want to be in this ever-so-complicated world.

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Tatum Elliott
Tatum Elliott

Tatum Elliott 

Major: Psychology
Hometowns: Tucson, Arizona and Holt, Missouri 

Why did you choose to study psychology at Mizzou?
I chose Mizzou because I wanted to go to a big college that was still close to my hometown so I could visit friends and family on the weekends. I also applied to show people who doubted me that I could do anything and overcome the odds. I chose Psychology because I have always loved working with people, and it felt like an amazing path to take so I could reach my goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

What was your favorite internship or service-learning experience?
Completing my practicum at the Thompson Center under Dr. Alison Cooper. I loved being there because everyone was extremely helpful with answering questions and as I want to be a BCBA, this was helpful for furthering my education!

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?
My advisor, Kaitlyn Callahan. Ever since I changed my major, she has been helping me every step of the way. She has answered every one of my questions and been extremely supportive of me. Kaitlyn has been an amazing advisor and I could not have asked for a better one.

What are your plans after graduation?
Going on to get my Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and working part-time as an Registered Behavior Technician at the Thompson Center.

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Emily Wyninegar
Emily Wyninegar

Emily Wyninegar 

Major: Architectural Studies. Also earning a minor in Engineering Sustainability. Hometown: Arnold, Missouri

What was your favorite internship or service-learning experience? 
My favorite service-learning experience was at Habitat for Humanity. I was able to give back to the community as well as learn how to frame walls, put up siding, and lay down shingles on the roof. 

What was your favorite out-of-classroom involvement experience? 
My favorite student organization was MAD (Mizzou Architectural Department). It allowed us to connect with industry representatives and access opportunities. 

What was your favorite leadership experience and why? 
My favorite leadership experience was during my thesis project. It was a three-man team but we were all responsible for specific roles. My role was to manage the construction documents and make sure the building was up to code and the regulations were accurate. I was also in charge of all the sustainable strategies incorporated in the design. Through this, I learned teamwork and adaptability skills such as problem-solving, communication, and listening. 

What is your favorite A&S memory? 
My favorite A&S memory was being told I was being admitted into the Architecture program. 

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?
I would give a shoutout to Dr. Jong Bum Kim and Professor Goldschmidt because they have contributed to a lot of my success throughout my college years at Mizzou. 

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Kailyn Hill
Kailyn Hill

Kailyn Hill

Major: Fine Arts
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

What was your favorite internship or service-learning experience?
Working at the Sheldon was probably my favorite experience because I got the opportunity to help a more established artist prepare their show, which gave me so much insight into what goes into putting together an exhibition.

What was your favorite out-of-classroom involvement experience?
Working for Columbia Art League fueled my passion to engage with my community through art. The weekends I spent teaching and assisting continually motivated me to use art and creativity as a way to empower people.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?
All my instructors were incredibly supportive and and super encouraging, but Chris, Kenzie, Angela and Pazia were people who went above and beyond and truly pushed me. I’m beyond grateful to have them as instructors and mentors.

What are your plans after graduation?
As of now, I’m focusing on my residency with Orr Street Studios and then I’m planning to go to grad school. Ultimately I would love to turn dilapidated buildings into live-in studios specifically proving opportunities for Black/Queer artists to share their work and make art accessible to the community.

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Alexis Simmerman
Alexis Simmerman

Alexis Simmerman 

Majors: English and Journalism. Also earning a minor in Psychology. 
Hometown: Stanberry, MO 

Why did you choose Mizzou?
My grandfather, Harold Rost, taught here long before I was born, and he fell in love with the campus community. Although he left this earth when I was very young, I can feel his presence on this campus. I believe he guided me to Mizzou because he knew the incredible opportunities it would present me with. I kept his photo on my desk throughout my time at Mizzou, so he could witness each night of studying that led me to this moment.

What was your favorite out-of-classroom involvement experience?
Although I was unaware of the organization until about a year ago, I became very passionate about the work of the Mizzou Disability Coalition. It led me to meet other disabled students, as well as allies, and share our solidarity with one another. I simultaneously felt seen, heard, and understood within the group, which provided a safe space for me to accept and love my body regardless of how it may be perceived by others.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?
I would like to give a shoutout to another A&S senior, Faith Schilmoeller, for being an amazing friend. Faith and I met through the Mizzou ASL Club, for which we are now co-presidents. We are also both getting degrees in English and journalism, and we have supported each other in this endeavor. When we’re not strategizing over which classes to take, you can find us planning the Mizzou ASL Club’s next meeting.

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Bradford Siwak
Bradford Siwak

Bradford Siwak 

Majors: Sociology and Journalism. Also earning minors in French and Film Studies
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri 

Why did you choose to study sociology at Mizzou?
Sociology has been a source of fascination to me because of its breadth and its ability as a tool for understanding how the world works, one piece at a time.

What was your favorite study abroad or global experience?
A wonderful experience during the A&S program I did in France was celebrating the Fête de la Musique, a musical celebration that fills the streets of cities across the country. It was a joyous and full-circle moment amid living with a host family and immersing myself in a culture I’d studied in language classes for years.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?
Two professors who shaped my outlook are Melissa Horner and Dr. Rebecca Scott. Professor Horner’s course on settler colonialism was eye-opening in its various lessons of the system’s ongoing nature, and it included lessons relating to Indigenous epistemologies. Dr. Scott’s course on recent sociological theories allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of concepts I had been only relatively familiar with.