Southeast Missouri State University will recognize four alumni and one faculty member for their professional accomplishments, service and contributions to their communities during the University’s 2026 Merit Awards.
The SEMO Alumni Association will present Alumni Merit Awards to Larry Christopher Decker and Kelly Zigaitis, the Distinguished Young Alumni Award to Katelyn Mary Skaggs and the Faculty Merit Award to Dr. Missy Nieveen-Phegley.
The annual Merit Awards recognize Southeast Missouri State University alumni and faculty whose achievements have brought distinction to themselves and the University. Alumni Merit Awards have been presented annually since 1958.
The 2026 honorees will be recognized during the University’s annual Copper Dome Society and Merit Awards dinner at the Show Me Center on October 16 during Homecoming weekend.
Katelyn Mary Skaggs / Distinguished Young Alumni Award
From her first days on campus, Katelyn Mary Skaggs knew journalism was the career she wanted to pursue. A 2018 graduate with a degree in multimedia journalism and a minor in commercial photography, Skaggs built experience across print, television and radio while at SEMO.
She served as news editor of SEMO’s student-run newspaper, the Arrow, for three years, worked as an evening anchor for KFVS and reported for KRCU. She also served as a feature twirler for the SEMO marching band.
After graduation, Skaggs joined Leader Publications, her hometown newspaper serving Jefferson County communities. She moved from the newsroom to the business side of the organization, taking on leadership responsibilities in digital marketing and helping expand the company’s digital strategy, advertising products and community events.
In 2020, Skaggs was named the Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year by the Missouri Press Association. She has also received first-place awards for investigative reporting, humorous columnist and best story about rural life.
Today, Skaggs serves as advertising manager and is part owner of Leader Publications. She remains active in the newspaper industry through the National Newspaper Association and Missouri Press Association. She serves on the board of Missouri Press Advertising and Marketing Executives and writes a monthly column for Publishers’ Auxiliary, an industry trade publication serving community newspapers.
Dr. Missy Nieveen-Phegley / Faculty Merit Award
Dr. Missy Nieveen-Phegley has spent nearly two decades at Southeast Missouri State University teaching, mentoring students and faculty, and helping strengthen the University’s academic programs and assessment practices.
Phegley joined the SEMO faculty in 2008 after earning her Ph.D. in rhetoric and composition from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. Her career in education began as a high school English teacher, where she developed a passion for helping students find their voices through writing.
As director of composition and assessment at SEMO, Phegley led the First-Year Composition Program and spearheaded initiatives to strengthen curriculum, enhance dual-credit partnerships, redesign first-year writing and launch the EN010 co-requisite writing lab to improve student success.
In her current role as University assessment coordinator, Phegley works with faculty across academic departments to strengthen assessment practices and focus on student learning. She played a key leadership role in SEMO’s successful Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation of accreditation in 2019 and the University’s HLC Assurance Review in 2024.
Phegley’s work also includes faculty development, student success and the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education. Her scholarship explores mindful approaches to teaching writing and building a culture of assessment, and she regularly presents at regional and national conferences.
Her service extends beyond campus. Phegley served two terms on the Cape Girardeau Public School Board, including as vice president and president. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the Cape Girardeau Public School Foundation and the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Phegley’s son, Auggie, graduated from American Welding Academy in 2022. He currently lives in St. Louis and works as a welder with Pipefitters and Plumbers Local 562. Her daughter, Molly, graduated from SEMO in 2024 with a degree in multimedia journalism. She currently works for the city of Decatur, Georgia, as a communications coordinator for equity and engagement.
Larry Christopher Decker / Alumni Merit Award
Larry Christopher “Chris” Decker built a 32-year career in the chemical and petrochemical industries after discovering his passion for chemistry as a young student.
Decker enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University in 1985, following in the footsteps of family members who had attended or played football for SEMO. He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry.
While at SEMO, Decker became a student member of the American Chemical Society and joined Delta Chi fraternity, serving as chapter treasurer during his senior year. He credits the University with preparing him both professionally and personally for his career.
Decker spent nine years with Chemical Waste Management Inc., serving as a chemist, laboratory manager and facility technical manager. In 1998, he joined Mobil Oil Company in Beaumont, Texas, shortly before its merger with Exxon.
Over the next 24 years, Decker held a variety of positions with ExxonMobil, including roles in lubricants manufacturing operations, laboratory management, industrial field engineering services, lubricant products technology, and lubricant product research and development. His career took him around the world and across multiple areas of the company’s operations.
Decker retired from ExxonMobil in 2022 and returned to Southeast Missouri, where his family roots and longtime connection to SEMO made the region feel like home.
Chris dedicates this award to the love and support of his late wife Michelle and daughter Dr. Bailey C. Decker-Gannaway of Ankeny, Iowa.
Kelly Zigaitis /Alumni Merit Award
Kelly Zigaitis has built a career spanning law, financial services, compliance and fintech leadership, serving in senior roles at companies including Scottrade, TD Ameritrade, Wells Fargo, Robinhood and Greenlight Financial Technology.
Today, Zigaitis serves as senior vice president of legal and compliance at Greenlight, where she leads legal and compliance functions for the financial technology company. 
Zigaitis graduated summa cum laude from Southeast Missouri State University with degrees in communication disorders and psychology. Although those fields differ from her eventual career in corporate law and financial technology, she credits her SEMO education with helping her develop skills she has relied upon throughout her career, including communication, listening, problem-solving and understanding different perspectives.
While at SEMO, Zigaitis was active in Alpha Chi Omega and the Panhellenic Council and was recognized as Greek Woman of the Year. She also was a first runner-up for Homecoming Woman of the Year.
She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law, where she served as managing editor of the Washington University Law Review.
Throughout her career, Zigaitis has led large teams and mentored attorneys and compliance professionals. She remains particularly interested in helping others navigate career decisions and opportunities, encouraging students and young professionals to remain open to possibilities they may not yet see for themselves.
Zigaitis and her husband, Nick, live in the St. Louis area with their two daughters.
The 2026 Merit Award honorees represent the many ways Southeast Missouri State University alumni and faculty carry their experiences forward through professional leadership, service, teaching and involvement in their communities.