Toms Shoes founder returning for MSU convocation

Three years after Blake Mycoskie gave the keynote address at Missouri State University's public affairs convocation, the founder of Toms Shoes is slated to make a return trip to the Springfield college.

Mycoskie is scheduled to speak Nov. 11 at JQH Arena during the university's fall conference. Free general admission tickets are available at MSU's Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, JQH Arena or the Plaster Student Union, according to MissouriState.edu.

Since its founding in 2006, Toms has donated some 10 million pairs of shoes to children in need in more than 60 countries. The company's One for One program donates a new pair of shoes every time a pair is purchased. Through an initiative started in 2011, Toms also has helped 150,000 people in 10 countries with eyesight programs by providing glasses, medical treatment or surgery for each purchase of eyewear at the company's store, according to its website.

Two years ago, Mycoskie released his book, "Start Something That Matters," chronicling the story of his philanthropic company.

During the 2012 public affairs conference, MSU hosted keynote speaker Warren St. John, author and feature writer for the New York Times.