The Mizzou Medal of Distinction is among the highest honors our campus can bestow. This medal recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through scholarly, artistic, professional, governmental or humanitarian achievements, and who have demonstrated a commitment to serving the public interest and the State of Missouri motto, “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.” Honorees inspire our community through their service, accomplishments and vision.

Designed by Olivia Childs, Katie O’Russa and Jess Nguyen, graphic design majors in the School of Visual Studies in the College of Arts and Science, the medal was modeled on the theme Mizzou Roots: Takes Great Care for Seeds to Grow with guiding principal words botanical, peaceful and harmonious.

Past Recipient

George P. Smith, Ph.D.

Inaugural recipient in 2023 at the College of Arts & Science All Faculty Welcome Back event.

Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emeritus of biological sciences, who was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in chemistry for his development of phage display, which allows a virus that infects bacteria to evolve new proteins. The discovery has proven vital in the realm of vaccine development for complex
diseases like Malaria.

To learn more about how to submit a nomination for the Mizzou Medal of Distinction, please contact the chair of the Honorary Degrees Committee:
Professor Wendy Sims, honorarydegrees@missouri.edu