Senior social work major Corina Merritt receives the MLK Drum Major for Justice Award, presented by MWSU Vice President and Dean of Students Dr. Robert Goltra III on Feb. 26, 2025.
March 14, 2025–The Division of Student Affairs and the Black Student Union at Missouri Western State University held its Black Student Excellence and Drum Major Award Gala on Feb. 26 in the Fulkerson Center.
This annual event recognizes individuals who embody service and excellence. The MLK Drum Major for Justice Awards recognize citizens who do extraordinary acts of service with reliability and commitment. The awards are presented to members of the Missouri Western State University and St. Joseph communities.
Recipients of the MLK Drum Major for Justice Award for each category:
- St. Joseph Community: Britani Manthe ’08 & Peyton Santana Castro
- MWSU Faculty/Staff: Dr. Benedict Adams & Dr. Michael Birmingham Sr.
- MWSU Student: Corina Merritt, senior social work major from St. Joseph
Black Students of Excellence Awards:
- Young Entrepreneur Award: Abakhaye Anetekhai, senior engineering technology major from Bolingbrook, Illinois
- The Most Athletic Award: Deiondre Williams, senior recreation sport management major from Homestead, Florida
- Best Black Fraternity: Iota Phi Theta fraternity Inc.
- Best Black Sorority: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated
- Best President Award: Unyque Mallett, junior engineering technology major from Justice, Illinois
- Best Event: Black Excellence Gala 2024
- Best Advisor: Jackie McGuire, counselor
- Best Photographer: Daniel Ingram, junior graphic design major from St. Louis, Missouri
- Neighborhood Hero Award: Miya Grover, sophomore nursing major from Florissant, Missouri
Photos from the event are located in Missouri Western’s SmugMug gallery at missouriwestern.smugmug.com/2024-2025/MLK-Drum-Major-for-Justice-Spring-2025.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.