Moshood Agboola Receives Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award

Published Monday, April 15, 2024

Moshood Agboola

SMSU senior Moshood Agboola has been chosen as a 2024 recipient of a $500 Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award through the Mark M. Welter Foundation and Lead MN. He was one of just 19 students in the Minnesota State system to receive the award, which is given to students in good academic standing who have demonstrated a keen awareness of our interconnected world.

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Agboola chose Southwest Minnesota State University for his undergraduate education. After growing up in one of the largest cities in the world, he sought an affordable school in a safe American town.

“I have found the people of Marshall to be very kind, nice, and genuine,” said Agboola. He is an exercise science major in his sixth year as he also completes minors in Health Communications, Political Science, and Strength & Conditioning. He has embraced the college experience during his time at SMSU.

Among the many clubs, organizations, and committees he’s been involved with, he served for four years on the SMSU student senate; held leadership positions in the Exercise Science Club and International Student Organization; as well as working as a manager in the Student Center; and volunteered as an assistant coach with the SMSU Women’s Soccer Team. He was recently recommended to serve on the City Planning Commission and was appointed by Mayor Bob Byrnes to represent SMSU students. He will graduate in May.

Agboola recalled as a freshman a fellow student, Moo Moo Aye, received the Welter Award and how inspiring it was to see someone from SMSU recognized. He is honored and humbled to receive the award and grateful to his Exercise Science professor and advisor Dr. Kris Cleveland for nominating him.

“Moshood is very deserving of this award. He is an advocate for international students,” said Cleveland. “He educates students on the concerns of the world and encourages them to learn, care, and get involved in world affairs.”

The Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award exists to provide an annual tribute to Minnesota State students who most exemplify the thoughts, words, and actions demanded by a 21^st-century world citizen.

Agboola’s plans after graduation include pursuing a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at Minnesota State University, Mankato. After earning his master’s, he has been accepted to the Kinesiology PhD program at Boise State. His long-term goal is to become a United Nations Health Research Ambassador.