MSU Athletics Hall of Fame
A nationally-recognized attorney, Strong has been a pillar of the Springfield community for decades. His passion for Missouri State was instrumental in the university's 2005 name change efforts, two comprehensive fundraising campaigns and the pending move to Conference USA and FBS football in 2025. Likewise, his financial support of the institution helped establish two endowed academic chairs, several scholarships and countless opportunities for student-athletes.
Strong's contributions to the Springfield community and Missouri State University have been well documented over the years. Likewise, his longtime support of Missouri State athletics makes him an ideal recipient of this year's Don Payton Award. Strong was a co-founder of the Papa Bears basketball booster club in 1969, serving as its president in 1974. He received Missouri State's Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1987 and earned the Bronze Bear Award from the university in 2006 for exhibiting “extraordinary achievement and/or outstanding support.” Strong served as president of MSU's Alumni Association from 1965-1966, was a member of the Missouri State University Board of Governors -- including a year as president in 1998 -- and is a past chair of the Missouri State University Foundation Board of Trustees. In 2002, Strong Hall on the Springfield campus was named in honor of his family.
Strong practiced law in Springfield from 1957 until his retirement in 2003, founding Strong Law, P.C. His many career accolades include service as the Governor of the American Trial Lawyers Association, a member of the Missouri Appellate Judicial Commission, and chairman and committee member of many Missouri Bar Association committees. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Missourian Award, given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to their state or nation in civics, business, arts or politics. Notable recipients of this award include Thomas Hart Benton, General Omar Bradley, George Washington Carver, Walter Cronkite, Walt Disney, and President Harry Truman.
