April 22, 2025
Contact: Brian Consiglio, consigliob@missouri.edu
Photo by Cathy Rose
At the University of Missouri, student success goes beyond grades and GPAs. It’s about preparing students for life as well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Melissa Herzog’s “Successful Adulting” class exemplifies this holistic approach, equipping students with the practical skills they need to navigate life after college — from managing health to wealth, building meaningful relationships and stepping into the workforce with confidence.
More than 100 students enrolled last spring, eager to learn about budgeting, meal planning, independent living, interpersonal relationships and professionalism. Or, as Herzog calls it, “news you can use.”
“This class came about because research is telling us that Gen Z wants to make a difference in the world but often feels anxious and unprepared about the future,” Herzog, an associate teaching professor in the College of Education and Human Development, said. “My mission is to help young people gain not only life skills but also the confidence and competence to succeed in all aspects of their lives after college.”
Open to Mizzou students of all majors and grade levels, the course covers fundamentals such as preventative health care, nutrition and sleep, tax strategies, retirement accounts and insurance plans.
On a professional level, students learn how to craft resumes, negotiate job offers, navigate workplace benefits and manage their professional dress. On a personal level, they reflect on what values they look for in a relationship, how they manage stress and how their habits impact physical and mental well-being.
“There are a lot of ‘life hacks’ out there, but this class focuses on evidence-based strategies that help students feel more confident and prepared for adulthood,” Herzog said.
The class even has a “personal dwelling” unit to help students understand renter rights and home safety.
“As a developmental scientist by trade, I am constantly looking for ways to improve the class by getting feedback from previous students on what they found most beneficial,” Herzog said. “The data I’ve collected shows that the students who take this class ultimately report feeling much more confident in managing various aspects of their lives, whether that is managing their finances, their health or their relationships.”
Beyond practical skills, students earn behavioral science credits toward their general-education credit requirements. Herzog also partners with campus and local entities, bringing in guest speakers from the Student Health Center, MU Extension, the Columbia Fire Department, the Mizzou Career Center, the Office for Financial Success and more.
In addition to Herzog, units are taught by Mizzou subject-matter experts from the College of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Science and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Herzog joined Mizzou in 2008 after earning a doctorate degree in family and human development. Her work focuses on social relationships and positive youth development.
Herzog understands that a successful class isn’t just about covering the basics — it’s about connecting with the people behind the lessons.
Ultimately, she wants her students to leave Mizzou ready to thrive.
“A class like this, which is not offered at every university, gives students the chance to apply these skills in a way that they can live their best lives,” Herzog said. “It is very rewarding to prepare young people to be confident, engaged members of their communities.”
Students looking to enroll in the class (HDFS 1234) can find course information in their myZou accounts.
