MSSU offers reduced tuition to area students from Ukraine

(From Southern News Service)

The Ukrainian Student Scholarship fund established by a Missouri Southern State University faculty member and his wife continues to gain momentum, as the university seeks to ease the financial burden on those wishing to continue their education.

The scholarship fund was created earlier this month by Dr. Chris Moos, professor of international business, and his wife, Liliya, who is originally from Ukraine. It will provide support to foreign exchange students from Ukraine who are set to graduate from area high schools in May, but will not be able to return home due to the war.

 

Missouri Southern will offer those students in-state tuition plus 10 percent, which represents a significant cost reduction for students coming from overseas.

Dr. Dean Van Galen, president of Missouri Southern, said that when the university learned of the scholarship established by the Moos’ through the Missouri Southern Foundation, there was a desire to help however possible.

“I am grateful to Dr. Chris and Liliya Moos for their generosity and leadership in lending a helping hand to students who are personally impacted by the war perpetrated on the people of Ukraine,” said Van Galen. “It’s inspiring to see our campus and greater community come together to support these young people, and provide them with opportunity to further their education at Missouri Southern.”

Seven high-school students from Ukraine have been identified in the greater Joplin area, and 100 more within the Lion Pride in-state tuition area. The university is conducting outreach through foreign exchange programs to inform them of the scholarship and favorable tuition.

Chris Moos said Ukraine typically has a large contingent of high-school students who come to the United States through study abroad programs.

“Ukrainian people are very gregarious and outgoing, and are very connected internationally,” he said. “They want their children to have that experience and look at the democracy in the United States as (a model) to help further develop their society.”

To support the scholarship, visit the Missouri Southern giving link at www.mssu.edu/ukrainescholarship. Gifts can also be sent to Missouri Southern Foundation in care of the Ukrainian Student Scholarship Fund.