April 16, 2025

For National Student Employment Week, meet three Tigers who keep Mizzou running one shift at a time.

April 16, 2025
Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu

Step into the Museum Store on the lower level of Ellis Library, and you’ll find Myrofora Jatho surrounded by shelves of fair-trade treasures, unique trinkets and thoughtfully curated books. A senior majoring in anthropology at the University of Missouri, Jatho brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to her role as she helps visitors find the perfect keepsake while also gaining experience that will propel her future career.

Jatho is one of more than 6,600 student employees who keep Mizzou running — contributing their talents across offices, labs and campus programs every day.

For Jatho, her role is more than a part-time job — it’s a stepping stone toward her dream of working full time in a museum, where she hopes to educate others about the importance of understanding our collective past and cultural heritage.

“I also enjoy interacting with the wide variety of visitors who come through our doors,” she said. “People from all walks of life stop by and find meaning in our displays.”

Fueling Mizzou

Amanda Purchase Roberts, senior manager of student employment at the Mizzou Career Center, said students bring more than just their time to campus jobs.

“They enhance the entire Mizzou community with their talents, skills and student perspective,” she said. “I can’t imagine a single program or service at Mizzou that doesn’t benefit from the contributions of student employees.”

Jatho is one of seven students working at the museum this semester, and each one brings something special to the team, Candace Sall, director of the Museum of Anthropology at Mizzou, said.

“Students love learning new things, and specifically anything with hands-on experience,” she said. “We get to talk about the Museum of Anthropology with them, including why we do what we do, and the students take that to heart. Knowing they are making a difference with their work here brings the students back every day with that energy, and most stay with us until they graduate.”

Jatho’s opportunity has already opened new doors. In the fall, she’ll begin an internship with the Museum of Anthropology, where she’ll experience firsthand the inner workings of museum operations, such as the careful handling and preservation of artifacts.

That type of student employment influences a student’s academic and career trajectory, Sall said.

“Our students have gone on to full-time jobs in federal agencies and museums, and to many graduate school programs in anthropology, museum studies, photography and archaeology,” she said.

More than a job

Temitope Alabi, a senior studying information technology at the College of Engineering, works about 18 hours a week at the circulation desk at Ellis Library. While the part-time job is not directly related to his major, the experience has enriched his time at Mizzou.

“I enjoy being a resource for others. That’s what the library is all about: helping people find the information they need,” he said. “I love being part of that mission. Working here has allowed me to interact with so many different students, and it’s really broadened my perspective of the campus community. I’ve had the chance to meet people from all walks of life, and that’s something I genuinely value.”

Alabi also appreciates the university’s willingness to work around his academic schedule. He’s also allowed to study when work is slow at the circulation desk.

 “The job helps me out academically and financially,” he said. “Honestly, it’s the best place I’ve ever worked.”

Daniel Adams, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, works 15 to 20 hours each week at The Mizzou Store, where he primarily restocks shelves with clothing and textbooks. During graduation season, he assists with the distribution of caps, gowns and other regalia. Occasionally, he’s called upon for deliveries — one of which included a drop-off to University of Missouri President Mun Choi.

“That was pretty cool,” Adams, who plays the baritone in Marching Mizzou, said. “When you work on campus, you get to know the campus in a new way, which I’ve really appreciated.”

Student employees not only complete important work, they also improve team morale and give back immensely to the university, Sall said.

“I believe we all feel rewarded knowing that we get to help prepare students for the workplace,” she said. “Students are getting experience, and we are getting support with essential projects.” 

This story originally appeared on Show Me Mizzou.