Missouri Southern honors alumni during annual awards ceremony

JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) honored six distinguished alumni and one multi-generational alumni family during its annual Alumni Awards ceremony.

The awards recognized alumni who have demonstrated professional achievement, service to Missouri Southern and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Lion-Hearted Award: Deron Burr

Deron Burr, a 1992 MSSU business graduate, received the Lion-Hearted Award and is president and CEO of People's Bank of Seneca. As a lifelong Southwest Missouri resident, Burr has remained deeply connected to Missouri Southern as a Lionbacker, Foundation Board member and Lantern Society member. He also serves in leadership roles with the American Bankers Association Minority Bank Board, FDIC Advisory Board for Community Banks and Federal Reserve Community Bank Advisory Council.

Spirit of Service Award: Patty Vavra

Patty Vavra, a 1980 physical education and health graduate, has dedicated nearly five decades to Missouri Southern as a student-athlete, professor, coach and volunteer. She received the Spirt of Service Award at the event. She spent 25 years as a professor of kinesiology and 22 years as head women's cross country and track and field coach, leading her teams to 12 MIAA Championships and four regional titles. Vavra has been named MIAA and Regional Coach of the Year four times and has been inducted into five Halls of Fame.

Outstanding Family Award: Moss Family

The Moss family's connection to Missouri Southern spans generations, earning them the university's Outstanding Family Award. Nathan Moss graduated in 1998, followed by his wife, Christin, in 2000. Christin's parents, Raymond and Lana Mathis, were members of the college's final junior college graduating class in 1969, extending the family's MSSU legacy across three generations. Today, Nathan and Christin's children, Katie and Elijah, are MSSU Honors students, continuing a tradition of academic achievement, leadership and service to Missouri Southern and the broader community.

Outstanding Alumna Award: Betsy Mense

Betsy Mense, a 2010 studio art graduate, serves as president and CEO of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and received the Outstanding Alumna Award. Her career has included leadership in economic development, organizational leadership and nonprofit management. Mense previously served as executive director of the Children's Center of Southwest Missouri and continues her commitment to regional growth through leadership roles with the Joplin Regional Alliance for Health and MOKAN Partnership.

Distinguished Alumnus Award: Dr. Troy Comeau

Dr. Troy Comeau, a 1994 speech communication and television graduate, serves as chair of the Department of Communication and director of Sports Broadcasting at Pittsburg State University. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the ceremony. His career in academia and media production includes national leadership with the Broadcast Education Association and recognition as the American Advertising Federation's Educator of the Year. His connection to MSSU includes serving as the first MSTV student station manager and more than 20 years of leadership in MIAA Basketball Championship broadcasts.

Distinguished Alumnus Award: Sean Briley

Sean Briley, a 1995 economics and finance graduate and former MSSU men's soccer student-athlete, is a senior territory business manager with Alkermes, Inc. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award as well. He has spent more than 20 years coaching youth soccer and has served with the Ozark Soccer Officials Association and as an MSHSAA high school soccer referee. Briley also serves as president of the Joplin Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors and as an MSSU Foundation Board member.

The Alumni Awards ceremony celebrated the honorees' accomplishments and their continued impact on Missouri Southern and the communities they serve.