History of the Conference
In 2005, Missouri State University celebrated its centennial year and in celebration was the inaugural year for the Public Affairs Conference. The conference was designed to draw students, faculty, staff and members of the community into engaged conversation over public issues.
In 1995, Missouri State University was granted a statewide mission in public affairs when Senate Bill 340 was signed into law. The public affairs mission defines a primary way in which an education from Missouri State is different from that of other universities and one way by which we educate our students to imagine the future.
The public affairs mission has three pillars: ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.
Each year, Missouri State University develops a different public affairs theme. The Public Affairs Conference and other annual programming focuses on that year's public affairs theme.
Purpose
The purpose of the conference is to provide the Missouri State University campus and the Springfield community with an opportunity to dialogue about current public affairs issues with national and international figures. Experts, public thinkers, philanthropists, activists, and policy makers from a wide variety of fields such as government, the arts, business, education, and the sciences are invited to participate. Presentations and ensuing dialogues provide a unique educational opportunity across academic disciplines and present a dynamic expression of the university’s public affairs mission.
Typically, conference's are held on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri and hosts a keynote speaker, four plenary speakers and 20 panel sessions. Special events related to the conference theme, such as films, art exhibits, theatrical productions, and music concerts may also be included in the program.
Keynote Speakers
Recent keynote speakers have included Marlee Matlin, John Quiñones, Bobby Bones, Doris Kerns Goodwin, Jenna Bush Hager, Jillian Michaels, General Colin L. Powell and Robert Ballard.