MSSU history professor receives Governor's Award for Excellence in Education

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is proud to announce that Dr. Megan Bever, associate professor of history and chair of the Social Science Department, has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. The award is given annually to outstanding teachers who challenge and motivate Missouri students to reach their full potential.

Bever's innovative teaching methods have significantly impacted her students. Her discussion-based classes incorporate primary sources and equip students with the tools to understand not only the language and content but also the context of the documents.

“I’m quite honored and surprised to receive the award,” said Bever. “Missouri Southern has a strong tradition of innovative teaching, and I’m really happy to be chosen for this award with so many talented educators working across campus.”

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Bever is a co-founder and faculty advisor for the Lion Co-Op Food Pantry, a resource that offers food, hygiene products, and small appliances to students in need. Furthermore, she coordinates the Groceries to Graduate project, an initiative that supports undergraduate students with financial need by providing scholarship tokens that can be used as currency at the Webb City, Mo., Farmers Market.

“Dr. Bever has had a tremendous impact on our students and university,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU president. “She is very deserving of this high honor bestowed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. She is an outstanding educator who actively engages students in the classroom, demonstrates care for students through her involvement in the Lion Co-Op Food Pantry, and supports our international partnerships, including a recent collaboration with the University of Hradec Králové in Czechia.”

Bever was formally recognized with the award at a ceremony in Jefferson City, Mo., on April 2, 2025.