Discover. Connect. Thrive.
FIG Excellence in Leadership Award
Professor Amanda Durbak
"Dr. Durbak has been such a huge help in planning topics for class, organizing engaging activities and brainstorming how we can make the class benefit the students as they begin their first year at Mizzou. Recently, I covered class registration for the spring semester. After explaining how to use Stellic, lots of students had questions about how to balance coursework, which professors may suit their learning style the best, what the next steps are in their pre-med STEM sequences, etc. Dr. Durbak gave guidance that was much stronger than what I could offer, as I am only in my second year. Her experienced advice helped our students plan their next semesters and lay out a general outline of how the following semesters will look."
FIG Excellence in Leadership Award
Molly Machione
"Molly's goal for the pre-med FIG this year was to create a "chill environment" to make our freshmen feel like they could have a place to learn and grow without the pressure to have it all figured out right now. Each week, she focuses on creating activities that get our students thinking, reflecting and most importantly, talking to and learning from one another. She has successfully created a space where our students feel comfortable collaborating with each other and asking for help. We've seen many friendships blossom during our class already!"
FIG Excellence in Leadership Award
EmilyAnne Mowery
“Over the last three years as a PLA, Emily has developed a syllabus that introduces the spirit of Mizzou and the College of Engineering to freshmen honors students. Combining activities that showcase the skills you need to learn to succeed in college and beyond, each week touches on important values for students to carry through life. She sets a great example to the class for how to succeed as an honors engineering student!” –Kate Huskin, Co-Facilitator of Honors Engineering Freshman Interest Group
Student perspective
Make an impact
Learn more about AudreyBeing a Peer Learning Advisor (PLA) has been a highlight of my Mizzou experience…. I have grown so much in my teaching and leadership skills. Receiving the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award motivated me to apply to be a PLA for both business and first-generation college students. My upbringing as a first-gen student from a rural community helps me connect with freshmen, and it is a privilege to have an impact on first-gen students.
–Audrey Snider, marketing and film production major
Spotlight on Excellence
Dec. 17, 2024
Nathan Reed, Peer Learning Advisor
Nathan Reed received the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award for his work leading the Business FIG.
Dec. 17, 2024
Emily Mahler, FIG Co-Facilitator
Emily Mahler received the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award for her work leading the Heath Sciences Freshman Interest Group.
Dec. 17, 2024
Riley Dutcher, Peer Learning Advisor
Riley received the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award for his work leading the Sports Journalism Freshman Interest Group.
By the Numbers
FIGs are Growing
50+
FIGs Available in Fall 2024
1200+
Freshman students enrolling in FIGs
50+
Peer Learning Advisors for Fall 2024