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2017 Most Influential Women: Julie Masterson

Missouri State University

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When it comes to Julie Masterson, the numbers don’t lie.

She’s taught more than 600 graduate students – personally mentoring 200 – and more than 1,000 undergraduate students. She co-authored a book that sold over 30,000 copies, and she has more than 100 articles published in journals, books, educational curricula and computer software.

Masterson’s career cannot only be collected in volumes, but it speaks volumes about her.

Focusing much of her career on helping kids, parents and caregivers with language and literacy development needs, Masterson has had a heart for the educational needs of the next generation.

Masterson is currently in her third year as the associate provost and dean of the graduate college at Missouri State University.

She has been with the university in one capacity or another since 1998, and she has come full circle, focusing on national and international research early in her career and having the opportunity now for research and service in local collaborations.

“I have never been happier,” she says. “I recently joined (Philanthropic Educational Organization) and have worked to help local chapters identify deserving women to nominate for their numerous funding sources and scholarships. A benefit of this work is that my young, female students get the opportunity to interact with these amazing women who devote their time and energy to enhancing opportunities for other women in education. They are incredible role models.”

As a result of this collaboration, graduate courses at MSU received a facelift of sorts to have more local impact on community and workforce needs.

“For the remainder of my career, I now want to focus my efforts to learn from and support the people in the Springfield community as well as the region and state,” Masterson says. “Local organizations that support education and the well being of children and families will be good fits for me.”

MSU President Clif Smart says she demonstrates vision, good judgment, thoughtfulness, a strong work ethic and a passion for education and helping others in that role.

“Julie has also done amazing work to help thousands of students and patients fulfill their potential. Her work with students with disabilities was so successful that the university featured her in an issue of its research publication, ‘Mind’s Eye,’ choosing her from among more than 750 full-time faculty,” he says. “Most importantly, Julie has influenced hundreds of students, many of whom are women, to complete their academic work and begin successful careers.”

In addition, Masterson also donates her time to multiple organizations, including sitting on the board of trustees for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation and being an external reviewer for the speech-language pathology doctorate program at University of Kansas.

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