Cody Smith honored with Richard Webster medallion in education
JOPLIN, Mo. — A local university is honoring the service and achievements of a southwest Missouri lawmaker.
Missouri Southern State University presented its Richard Webster Medallion to Cody Smith. MSSU leaders cited the former state representative's eight years in Jefferson City and especially his commitment to furthering education. Smith, who also the House Budget Chair, termed out of his representative seat in December.
He told us he enjoys seeing the progress being one on the university's 'Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center' which benefitted from state funding during his tenure.
'That will be really impactful for the community and region at large, helping young people get into those health science professions that are extremely valuable to them and to our community. And we need more doctors and nurses and technicians. And the more that we can do that locally the better,' said Cody Smith.
'Cody Smith has had a tremendous impact on our state, our region. But certainly, on our university. Not only in terms of not only funding, but advocacy. His understanding of the importance of education. We are deeply grateful for what he has done for this university,' said Dr. Dean Van Galen.
This is just the fourth time MSSU has awarded the Webster Medallion, which focuses on civil service. Other recipients have been Ron Richard, Gary Nodler and Robert Warden.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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