MSU to induct 4 into Hall of Fame

Missouri State University is slated to induct four new members into its Public Affairs Hall of Fame.

Roy Blunt, Norma Champion, Chris Chinn and Annie Malone are this year's honorees, according to a news release. They join 36 others in the Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals with connection to the state of Missouri who have acted in the best interest of public affairs.

“The 2024 honorees are truly deserving of this recognition,” MSU President Clif Smart said in the release. "Each one of them has demonstrated exemplary efforts in helping to improve our communities, state, nation and the world."

Blunt is a former U.S. senator who first was appointed to public office in 1973. He currently is president of the State Historical Society of Missouri and chair of Husch Blackwell Leadership Strategies Advisory Services.

Champion's career started in the 1950s, hosting a children’s television show on KY3. She worked for decades in politics, including as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate.

A fifth-generation Missouri farmer from Clarence, Chinn has led the Missouri Department of Agriculture since 2017, according to the release.

The late Malone was an entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist.

An induction ceremony is scheduled Sept. 6.