Missouri Governor Names Student from Hermann to UCM's Governing Board

WARRENSBURG, MO – Missouri Gov. Mike Parson this week announced the appointment of Hadley Oden, Hermann, Missouri, as a student member of the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors. She will serve a term ending Dec.  31, 2023, and until her successor is named. Oden fills a position previously held by Zachary Racy, a Riverside, Missouri, student who recently graduated from UCM.

Oden graduated with honors from Hermann High School in 2022 and came to UCM to pursue a Bachelor of Science in History with a dual minor in Political Science and Legal Studies. With strong ambitions to attend law school post-graduation, she plans to graduate in spring 2025 not only having earned a university degree but benefitting from many other experiences that will contribute to the value of her UCM education.

Since August 2022, Oden has served as a student ambassador for the university’s Office of Admissions. In this capacity she provides tours of campus and represents the institution at functions both on and off campus to help provide guidance to future Mules and Jennies.

Oden also serves as a member of the Student Government Association, representing students who are enrolled in programs offered in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. During her first year at UCM, she served as chair of SGA’s Sustainability Committee, where she contributed to efforts to bring recycling back to the university, conducted sustainability clothing drives, and worked to educate students on efforts to create a greener campus environment. Her preparation for her professional career has included participation as an attorney and co-captain of the UCM Mock Trial Team.

Throughout high school and during her education at UCM, Oden has achieved many accolades. This includes receiving the Randolph Putcha Memorial Scholarship, Charles R. Hayes Memorial Scholarship, Missouri A+ Scholarship, UCM Red and Black Scholarship, Sandra Temple and Ed M. Elliott Scholarship, and UCM Student Ambassador Scholarship. She also received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and the UCM Outstanding Leader Award, in addition to being named to the university’s Dean’s List.

UCM’s Board of Governors is the university’s policy-setting body. It is composed of eight members, all from the state of Missouri. Seven of the board members have voting privileges, however, the student representative, does not.