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Welcome new member Zora Mulligan

Brad Bodenhausen introduced Zora on Jan. 11.  Her cosponsor is Michael Wehrenberg.

Zora has been Missouri State University’s executive vice president, the second highest ranking administrative position, since July 2022.   Her job includes leading enrollment management, state and federal government relations, and the Alliance for Healthcare Education.  Ingram’s Magazine last year named her one of the “50 Missourians You Should Know.”  Likewise, the Springfield Business Journal listed her as one of the “12 People You Need to Know” in 2023.

Zora’s previous jobs were Missouri commissioner of Higher Education (‘16 – ‘22), chief of staff of the University of Missouri System (’14 – ’16), executive director of the Missouri Community College Association (’10 – ’14), assistant commissioner and general counsel of the Missouri Department of Higher Education (’07 – ’10), and assistant attorney general, deputy chief counsel, and manager of the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Unit (’03 – ’07).

Zora serves and has served on numerous boards and committees of many organizations, including United Way of the Ozarks’ Women United, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, and Jobs for America’s Graduates Board of Directors.  She’s also been a school volunteer.

Zora is a native of West Plains.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology at Drury University and a master’s degree in education and a law degree at University of Kansas.  At Drury, she was a member with Michael Wehrenberg of the Drury Singers.

Despite her brief exile in Kansas, Zora is a true Missourian – she likes spending time on the rivers and lakes, cheering for the Chiefs, Cardinals and, of course, the Bears.  Her daughter, Anna Lea, is a senior at Helias High School in Jefferson City, so she continues to spend a lot of time on the road between her home in central Springfield and Jefferson City.
 
Create hope

Community Grants, Fall 2023

Here are the grants that the Community Grants Committee approved in the Fall of 2023.  The funds come from members' dues.
 
  • Ozarks Literacy Council:  $1,000 for preschool reading program books
  • On Angels Wings:  $1,000 for a recipient family testimonial video
  • Junior League of Springfield:  $1,000 to underwrite changes to its Plaid Door funding source
  • Foundation for Springfield Public Schools:  $1,000 for the Wilder Elementary Wild About Books program
  • Good Dads:  $1,000 for its Strong School program for supplies and curriculum development

The Committee makes two rounds of grants in each Rotary program year.  The second round for 2023-'24 will be announced in the spring.
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