President Magruder named prestigious Missouri Squire, joins ranks of state’s greatest leaders
Posted: February 23, 2010
The Academy of Missouri Squires, a non-profit organization that honors Missourians for their accomplishments on the community, state or national levels, added ATSU President Jack Magruder to its exclusive membership in November at the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City.
“I was totally surprised and very pleased,” President Magruder said of his selection. “It is a great honor to be invited to this wonderful organization, and I am humbled to be among the many great people who are members.”
Founded in 1960 by Gov. James T. Blair, the Squires recognized President Magruder for his leadership in higher education. A graduate of Truman State University, he served as president of the school for nine years, greatly increasing the school’s national profile for academic excellence. He had also served as Truman’s science division head and vice president for academic affairs. The Kirksville Chamber of Commerce honored him with its Hall of Fame award in 2003, and he serves as a member of the Community Advisory Committee for the Missouri Foundation for Health.
The Squires also inducted Frankie Freeman, an active attorney in St. Louis, a pioneer of the civil rights movement in Missouri, and a national leader in advancing civil rights; Peter Herschend, founder and co-owner of Herschend Family Entertainment Corp and a leader in President Magruder named prestigious Missouri Squire, joins ranks of state’s greatest leaders the state’s travel and tourism industry, whose family has owned and operated Silver Dollar City in Branson for almost 50 years; and longtime St. Louis Cardinals radio broadcaster Mike Shannon, a former Cardinals player who was part of two World Series-winning teams.
The Academy of Missouri Squires is limited to 100 living members, and new Squires are chosen by members of the Academy. The ranks of the Squires automatically include the governor and living former governors of Missouri. Among the first class of Squires in 1960 were Harry Truman, Thomas Hart Benton, and Stan Musial. The names of the Squires in the Class of 2009 will be added to plaques on display in the first floor rotunda of the state Capitol.