Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate - 2017 Awardee

Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders

From foster parent to youth advocate, Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate applies multifaceted volunteerism to affect change for diverse populations in Springfield.  For the Springfield Chapter of the NAACP, she serves as treasurer, board member, Youth Council advisor, coordinator of the annual Youth Empowerment Conference and the local Chair of ACT-SO, the national African-American high school competition in science, humanities, business and performing and visual arts.  

Shurita has also been instrumental in the development and success of the Ujima partnership between MSU, Springfield Public Schools and the NAACP to increase educational outcomes for students of color and students of high poverty who may be at-risk for under performance.  In addition she is actively engaged in leadership and outreach projects in her church.    

For her commitment and passion for developing the youth of our communities, we are proud to recognize Dr. Thomas-Tate with the 2017 Faculty Excellence in Community Service Award.