Developer Bryan Magers selected for MSU award

A Missouri State University award recognizing contributions to the school is going to developer and longtime supporter Bryan Magers.

Magers, founder of Bryan Properties, is scheduled to receive the university's Bronze Bear Award during the fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 13, according to a news release. The award includes a framed resolution and a 45-pound, 18-inch Bronze Bear statue.

"We’re immensely honored to recognize Bryan as a model of generosity and for his lifelong commitment to our university," said Brent Dunn, vice president of the office of university advancement and executive director of the MSU Foundation, in the release. "Bryan has loyally supported the university’s mission and continues to be a friend to Missouri State.”

Magers' donor relationship with MSU includes support for the Heitz House student-housing project and the Bill and Lucille Magers Family Health and Wellness Center, as well as the outdoor courtyard plaza at the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center. Magers additionally served on the cabinet of the Onward, Upward capital campaign, which raised more than $274 million for MSU.

Previous Bronze Bear Award recipients include former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt and actor and alumnus John Goodman. The MSU Board of Governors earlier this year additionally approved and presented former President Clif Smart with the honor, according to past reporting.

Board officers
The MSU Board of Governors voted at its Oct. 18 meeting to appoint new officers for 2025.

Tim Francka, of Bolivar, and Melissa Gourley, of Mountain Grove, were chosen to become chair and vice chair, respectively, on Jan. 1, according to a news release.

Francka works as administrative director of long-term care for the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, where he's been employed since 1989. With a bachelor’s degree in finance and general business from MSU, Francka additionally is a member of the Missouri Health Care Association Board of Directors and the Missouri delegate to the American Health Care Association.

A veterinarian and former owner at Whetstone Veterinary Service in Mountain Grove, Gourley has a bachelor’s degree in biology from MSU, according to the release. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and she's served as a member of MSU's West Plains Development Board and the Federal Appropriations Committee for Mountain Grove High School.