MSU to honor former United Way CEO

Missouri State University will present a Springfield community leader with an honorary doctorate during its spring commencement ceremony.

John Rush is scheduled to receive the honor during the May 16 ceremony. The nomination was approved this month by the MSU Board of Governors after recommendations by the university's Faculty Senate and President Clif Smart, according to a news release.

Rush served for roughly 20 years as president and CEO of United Way of the Ozarks before his March 2008 retirement. During his tenure, annual fundraising totals exceeded $3 million annually, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

After retiring from United Way, Rush was elected to Springfield City Council in 2008, and held the seat until this year, when he chose not to run. Craig Hosmer, a partner with law firm Hosmer King & Royce LLC and a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives, replaced him.

Rush also has served as an advocate for Jordan Valley Community Health Center and has acted on its board of directors, according to the release.

During the spring ceremony, MSU also will present an honorary doctorate to James Tatum, owner of Tatum Motor Co. in Anderson.