Nixa High graduate, Missouri State senior named to university's Board of Governors

The governing board of Missouri State University has a new student member.

Susan Hardy, a graduate of Nixa High School, is now part of the MSU Board of Governors. She is a nonvoting member but is entitled to attend all meetings and participate in discussions.

Hardy, a senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in history at Missouri State, is an educational program intern at the State Historical Society of Missouri.

She previously served as director of academic affairs for the Student Government Association at MSU.

Hardy fills a vacancy created when Bradley Cooper stepped off the board in May.

“Missouri State has truly changed my life and I'm looking forward to giving back to the university that has given me so much,” Hardy said, in a news release. “Over the course of my term, I’ll aim to serve as a strong student voice, providing perspective and advocating for the needs of the student body.”

Hardy was appointed to the role in late August by Gov. Mike Parson.

She will serve immediately but she is still subject to confirmation this spring by the Missouri Senate. Her appointment expires Dec. 31, 2025.

More: 'Remarkable' student governor Bradley Cooper leaves MSU board after making history

Last year, Hardy received a Citizen Scholar Award, the highest award available to Missouri State students. It recognizes top students for their achievements in academics, community engagement and leadership.

She has served as the president of the history honor society Phi Alpha Theta, and is a member of the Anthropology Club, History Club, the Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She has worked as a university ambassador.

Hardy said she plans to earn a master's degree, likely overseas, and work in public history, including assisting with the curation and exhibition design for museums abroad.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State senior Susan Hardy joins university Board of Governors