Aug. 22, 2025
Contact: Cary Littlejohn, carylittlejohn@missouri.edu
Photos by Jennifer Manning
First-time University of Missouri students have come from around the state and country to study across wide-ranging disciplines and benefit from hands-on learning opportunities known as the Missouri Method.
Here, they’ll gain real-world experience and practical skills needed to thrive, developing leadership skills and building strong networks along the way.
Meet some of the newest Tigers on campus.
Name: Ella Scott
Hometown: Ozark, Missouri
Major: Business (Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business)
Why did you choose Mizzou?
Mizzou has always been my dream school. I’ve always watched Mizzou sports growing up, and it was always my dream to just get to Mizzou as fast as I could.
What are you most excited about?
Definitely basketball games. I’ve always loved watching basketball. I used to play it, so I’m excited to go to the games.
Name: Gavin Stanek
Hometown: Troy, Missouri
Major: Civil Engineering (College of Engineering)
Why did you choose Mizzou?
It was close to home. I love my family, so it was hard to be away from them, but it’s a big enough school where I can be my own person and pursue engineering.
What are you most excited about?
I’m just excited to grow and become my own person. I’m a big sports fan, so football games and big group settings; I like it all.
Name: Erin Lucey
Hometown: San Diego, California
Major: Animal Sciences (College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources)
Why did you choose Mizzou?
I chose Mizzou because I was accepted into the AgScholars Program, which means that after four years, if I can fulfill all the requirements and keep my GPA up, I will be guaranteed admittance into the College of Veterinary Medicine.
What are you most excited about?
I’m really excited for the MU Block and Bridle show. It’s a livestock show, where I’ve been told every student gets their own animal. You spend four weeks training the animal, and then you go to compete in a big livestock show. That’s really important to me because I raised livestock throughout high school, and it’s something that’s near and dear to my heart. I’m also really excited about the CAFNR Academic Day where they have information on how to get involved in my major. I mapped out all of the activities until October on MU Engage. I spent hours on MU Engage.
Name: Daniel Ganiyu
Hometown: Wentzville, Missouri
Major: Computer Engineering (College of Engineering)
Why did you choose Mizzou?
I applied to a lot of big schools across the country, but the thing about Mizzou that stood out the most was that it had everything I was looking for, such as the engineering program or MizzouRec — which is massive because I like to get active. It’s just a big school so there are a lot of people to meet. I felt like everything was just perfect about it.
What are you most excited about?
I’m looking forward to meeting new people and starting my classes. Really just everything about the college experience. I’m ready.
Name: Lexi Sparkman
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Major: Nursing (Sinclair School of Nursing)
Why did you choose Mizzou?
I chose Mizzou because I have older siblings who went here. I know a lot of people who went here. So many people from my high school go to Mizzou, and I’ve never heard anyone complain about a bad experience.
What are you most excited about?
I’m looking forward to the whole fall season — football, the nicer weather, walking to classes, the leaves changing. Honestly, just for everything to get started so I can experience it.
Name: Abby Strongin
Hometown: Northbrook, Illinois
Major: Strategic Communication (Missouri School of Journalism)
Why did you choose Mizzou?
I chose Mizzou because it has amazing spirit. In addition to the academics, there’s a great spirit through rush and sorority life and football games. But it also has an amazing journalism program, which I’m very fortunate to be in.
What are you most excited about?
I’m looking forward to meeting new people and being a part of this amazing community. I’m also looking forward to being a part of the journalism school and getting involved in many clubs and activities related to my major.
Name: Ari Granados
Hometown: Murphysboro, Illinois
Major: Health Sciences (College of Health Sciences)
Why did you choose Mizzou?
I liked the campus a lot when I came to visit. It’s not super far away from my hometown, but I thought it would be fun to get away for a little bit and experience new things.
What are you most excited about?
Football games, for sure. I’m excited about getting to know people and seeing more of the town, enjoying the atmosphere of the school, and getting started with all of that at First Roar and Paint the M.
