Missouri State University’s Meyer Library is one of two institutions of higher learning and one of two libraries that is partnering with Missouri Humanities to bring LeVar Burton to their 8th annual Springfield Symposium. The sold-out event will occur on April 3, 2025 at 7 pm in the Gillioz Theatre. This year’s theme is Ozarks Engaged: Citizenry and the Future of Our Communities. In conversation with Greg Burris, the founder and Executive Director of the United Way of the Ozarks’ Give 5 Program, Burton will discuss the connection between literacy and civic engagement.

“We’re excited to support literacy and civic engagement in the Ozarks,” said interim dean Rachel Besara. “Libraries play a crucial role in this effort, and having LeVar Burton speak to this topic and energize the community is so exciting. We’re proud to be a sponsor and to work alongside other great community partners to support literacy in the Ozarks.”