NW Missouri Times

Chloe DeVries, a recent graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, reflected on her experiences as she prepared to leave the Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation last May. DeVries completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a biochemistry emphasis, graduating summa cum laude. She also served as Student Senate president and was named Homecoming queen during her time at the university.

“I came in as this small-town girl who didn’t really know where she fi t in, didn’t really know what she wanted to do, didn’t know anybody,” DeVries said. “I’m most proud of the self-confidence that I’ve gained, the leadership abilities that I’ve grown into and how I’ve grown well-rounded as a person.”

She described her four years at Northwest Missouri State University positively: “It’s been the best four years. Northwest was definitely the best decision I made for myself.”

DeVries grew up in Red Oak, Iowa, participating in multiple sports and organizations throughout high school. Her father is an alumnus of Northwest Missouri State University and encouraged her to visit the campus. After touring, she decided it was the right fit due to its supportive environment and opportunities.

At Northwest, DeVries maintained strong academic performance while participating in various extracurricular activities. She took advantage of financial assistance programs offered by the university. According to university data, 96 percent of freshmen receive some form of financial aid, with an average undergraduate award totaling $5,719 per year. The Bearcat Advantage program allowed DeVries to pay in-state tuition rates as an out-of-state student—a benefit that can save students more than $8,000 over their college career—and textbook and laptop rental programs are estimated to save students about $6,900 over four years.

“Scholarships played a big role in my ability to come to Northwest more affordably, and that was a big factor for me, as it is for the majority of students,” DeVries said.

Her involvement extended beyond academics; she worked as a student ambassador leading campus tours and participated in numerous campus traditions and organizations such as Phi Mu sorority and ’Cat Crew. In laboratory courses at the Hubbard Center for Innovation, she gained hands-on experience with advanced equipment early on—something she noted might not be available at larger institutions.

“My very first semester, I was using a spectrophotometer that’s thousands and thousands of dollars and all this really cool equipment that at other schools you would just get to watch, or you would just get to hear about,” DeVries said. “But at Northwest, you’re in it, and you’re doing it right away...”

DeVries emphasized how these experiences contributed to her development: “Northwest really emphasizes hands-on learning and ‘career-ready day one,’ and a lot of that happens in this wing for science majors.”

She also valued making connections through student organizations: “I remember going to the org fair for University Seminar and writing my name down for several different things...”

Leadership became central during her college years when she joined Student Senate—eventually serving as president during her senior year.

“There’s this moment where you’re like, ‘Holy moly. I’m student body president of the University,’” DeVries said. “I was a part of Dr. Tatum’s inauguration planning committee... And I remember having this moment where I was like, ‘Oh my God who’s letting me do this?’”

Reflecting on those responsibilities: “Senate president has been the best leadership and growth opportunity for me,” DeVries said. “It’s really helped me expand my leadership skills...and made me overall a more well-rounded human.”

DeVries has long aspired to become a doctor inspired by rural practitioners from her hometown community: “I’ve always really been inspired by that and wanted to eventually go back and serve a rural community like the one that I grew up in,” she said.

During her final year at Northwest Missouri State University, she participated in the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Rural Pathway Program which provides mentorships for students pursuing medical education including shadowing rural physicians.

She recently took the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) while working as a patient care representative at Mosaic Medical Center—a position secured through local connections developed during college.

“I am leaving Northwest with endless memories knowledge and connections that I know have prepared me to succeed in my next chapter,” DeVries said.

DeVries offered advice based on her own journey: “Everybody says ‘Get involved get involved.’ ...Pick something because it really helps you get acclimated when you get to campus.” She encouraged new students not to be afraid or feel alone: “I like to tell people everything that you’re feeling is completely normal...every single person is feeling the same way whether they will admit it or not.”

She concluded with thoughts on starting fresh: “College is one of the very few times in your life when you get a completely clean slate...If you want to completely redefine yourself and try new things this is your time to do that.”